Senior celebrating his 95th birthday on flight gets heartwarming surprise from passengers and crew

There are certain moments in life that become more special and memorable because of strangers. It is always delightful to see videos in which people who don't know each other at all, willingly go out of their way to make someone else's day. Especially when it is their birthday. It's that one day of the year that is all about you, a day where those who love you don't leave a single chance to show it. But what happens when people who have no relation with you whatsoever, put in effort to make it better for you? Well then, happiness increases tenfold!

The in-flight experience on Southwest Airlines was slightly different for an elderly man. In a heartfelt gesture, the man who was celebrating his 95th birthday on an airplane was surprised by his co-passengers. The video of the on-spot birthday celebration went viral on the internet and touched the hearts of many.

In the video, the staff makes an announcement. The flight attendant, in the announcement, wishes the man a happy birthday. The crew informs passengers that the man in question, Jack McCarthy, turned 95 years old and that they were happy to have him on their aircraft. They added that they would also like to sing "Happy Birthday" for him. Every person on the flight closed their window and turned on their reading lights to replicate birthday candles. 

The passengers on the plane then went on to applaud and, on the count of three, everyone started singing "Happy Birthday" for the senior in a heartwarming moment. The video, which was taken on US-based Southwest Airlines, was shared on Tiktok by @carolinepratt5 with the caption: “My dad turned 95 and I asked Southwest Airlines for a simple birthday shout out and they did this. Flight attendants had asked passengers to close their windows and turn on their reading lights to replicate birthday candles.”

"Southwest understood the assignment. I will fly southwest from now on... just remarkable," commented @kimberly4life1975. "I just lost my great grandma at 95 the day before Mother’s Day. This made me cry. Happy birthday, Jack," wrote @chrissymae91. "Happy Birthday to your dad!! I love how happy it made him! His smile was great," commented @pduroc.

This was not the first birthday celebration that Southwest Airlines organized for its passengers. In the previous year, the airline did a similar celebration for a pair of twin girls as they had turned six on the flight. Earlier that year, the airline also held a wedding ceremony for two of their passengers, Pam and Jeremy Salda, who had to change their actual wedding plans at the last minute after their flight to Las Vegas got canceled.

Such kind gestures by Southwest Airlines are a reminder of just how beautiful the world we live in is. Despite the many struggles and challenges we all face in life, moments and news like these reignite our faith in humanity. Cheers to this wonderful airline, and the enthusiastic passengers on it!