13-12-2023 (SINGAPORE) Passengers aboard a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo witnessed a heartwarming gesture when a cabin crew member took the initiative to feed a 5-year-old boy in the business class section. Michael Rutherford, the father of the child, was so moved by the experience that he shared a clip of the moment on Instagram, leading to widespread admiration.
In the brief video, an SIA stewardess is seen crouching beside the young passenger, attentively feeding him with a spoon. The child, engrossed in his device, appeared to be enjoying the thoughtful gesture.
Sharing the clip on December 5, Rutherford expressed his delight, asking followers, “What would you do if this happened to you? We’re having the greatest flight ever, and this just made it even more perfect.” In subsequent posts, he praised the business class experience on Singapore Airlines as “absolutely amazing” and “the best flying experience of our lives.”
While the video garnered over 17 million views and numerous positive comments, it also sparked a debate online about whether the stewardess’s act was appropriate. Some argued that flight attendants are not babysitters, emphasizing their role in passenger safety.
However, others commended the stewardess, suggesting that her action stemmed from genuine care for the child. One former flight attendant and mother shared, “I’d do that out of sheer love towards babies and kids onboard.” Rutherford clarified that the stewardess acted on her own initiative and that he was seated in front of his son. He expressed gratitude for the “love and service the staff gave.”
Responding to queries, an SIA spokesperson highlighted that their cabin crew undergoes training to address the diverse needs of passengers, including children. The spokesperson added, “We are pleased that our cabin crew was able to anticipate and see to the needs of the customer on this occasion.”
This heartening incident echoes a similar act of compassion by a Lion Air flight attendant in 2021. A viral clip showed the attendant hand-feeding an elderly passenger who was distressed during the flight. Such gestures highlight the dedication of airline staff to ensuring passengers’ comfort and well-being.
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