Delta Pilot walks away from cockpit to calm nervous flyers before making sweet promise to his daughter on plane's PA system

As flight schedules continue to be affected by the ongoing US government shutdown, a Delta Airlines pilot is being praised for his calm and heartfelt announcement before takeoff. His announcement, captured and posted by TikTok user Sisterhood Travels (@sisterhoodwomentravelers), has been viewed over 13 million times and liked by more than 1.8 million users since being posted on November 9.

"I know we probably have quite a few nervous flyers today," the captain said over the intercom. "It is perfectly understandable. I want to emphasize this aircraft does not move a single inch unless both my co-captain, Michael, and I are absolutely certain it’s safe to do so." As the pilot continued, he shared something personal that touched the hearts of those present. "Before I left the house on this trip, my little one wanted ice cream, and she made me promise her to get her ice cream when I get back home," he said. "That being said, nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing unsafe, comes in between me and that little girl and her ice cream."

The US aviation system has been under a lot of pressure as many federal employees, including TSA agents and air traffic controllers, continue to work without pay or call out sick. That pressure has rippled across airports nationwide, causing widespread delays and cancellations that have left travelers anxious and uncertain. According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration, more than 10,200 flights were delayed and over 2,800 were canceled in a single day, forcing the FAA to announce a 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports to maintain safety amid ongoing staff shortages. Against that backdrop, the captain’s message was a beam of wholesome support that shows how some people in the system are still trying to make passengers feel secure, even when the situation is out of their control.

Viewers online said they found the message comforting during a stressful time for air travel. @evie20203 commented, "He might say this speech before every flight, but this is very comforting to hear. Tons of nervous flyers out there. Kudos to him. This makes me feel safe. Thank you, Delta." Some users identified the pilot as Captain Christopher Pennington, though Delta has not officially confirmed his name. @bonanza_driver," who identified himself as a fellow Delta pilot, wrote, "Chris and I are on the same fleet at Delta, based out of NYC, and have flown a few trips together. An absolutely amazing Captain to work beside." 

Others also expressed appreciation for the pilot’s words. @pandadude75 said, "'Absolutely nothing unsafe comes in between me, that little girl, and her ice cream' — tears on the spot." @julissah415 added, "As a passenger, I’d feel like we’re all his children and we’re all getting ice cream." @afterlifeband quipped, "As someone who’s literally on a plane right now, this is incredibly comforting... thank you!" @jenn_hanson shared, "As the daughter of a retired American Airlines captain & combat Air Force fighter pilot before that, this just made me cry. I was that same little girl expecting ice cream, and my dad came home to make good on his promise every time."

You can follow Sisterhood Travels (@sisterhoodwomentravelers) on TikTok for more personal and lifestyle content.

More on Scoop Upworthy

Kind Delta pilot spots 2-year-old watching planes with his dad and leaves him with an unforgettable surprise

Halle Bailey gets surprise message from pilot on recent flight: 'Thank you for being an inspiration'

Pilot flying little sister home for the first time decides to make it memorable with moving announcement