‘Your belief in me has been the wind beneath my wings’: United Airlines pilot surprises her dad aboard her flight from Houston to New York

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My dad passed away last year and there’s not a day goes by that I don’t think about him or my mom. I thank God every single night for giving me incredible parents who supported me in whatever I wanted to do and most importantly, gave me plenty of love. Twice a day, they would kiss me on the cheek and say either good morning or good night and tell me they love me. Thanks to their extraordinary love, I now do the same with my kids and then some.

I think that’s why I found this video, posted to Instagram by a United Airlines pilot named Xylene, so touching. Xylene’s caption reads:

“My Dad came to the United States as an 🇹🇹 immigrant with dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. He worked incredibly hard, earning his bachelor’s degree and attended medical school. Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties, he couldn’t complete his lifelong dream.

When I began my career, I faced similar financial challenges. No loan provider would accept me, and I started to lose hope of becoming a pilot. This broke my dad’s heart, seeing me struggle just as he did.

Despite not being able to pay my way through school, my dad went to great lengths to find a solution. I thought he was crazy, but he was really just crazy for me, willing to do whatever it took to help me achieve my dreams.

Then, a miracle happened. After endlessly trying, my dad was finally approved to be my co-signer. I want to introduce you all to my reason. I love you Dad ❤️”

You can see Xylene’s father, who is working on his phone in seat 1A, look up when he realizes it’s his daughter speaking. He says, “Hey, what are you doing here?! Oh you tricked me!”

Xylene, goes on with her welcome announcement: “Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen, from the flight deck. Welcome aboard guys. This is your first officer Xlene speaking on behalf of the captain and the entire crew, I would like to welcome you aboard. United Express Flight 6182 to LaGuardia.

I wanted to take a brief moment to introduce a very special passenger. On board with us today is my dad. My dad flew in from Trinidad and Tobago to visit me for a couple days in Houston before heading back home to LaGuardia.

I dropped him to the airport and I told him I was going to Albuquerque today. Surprise daddy!”

United Airlines pilot surprises dad. Her dad stands up and again says, “She tricked me! She told me she was going to New Mexico.”

Xylene went on to say, “Daddy, I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Your belief in me has been the wind beneath my wings. I couldn’t have come this far without you. Thank you for always being present in my life. I hope you enjoy this flight as much as I enjoy having you onboard.

Her father says, “I’ll try not to tear up.”

Xylene finishes with, “On behalf of me and my entire crew, I’d like to thank you all for flying with us today. And a fun fact, my dad actually wanted me to become a doctor. Welcome aboard you guys. Thank you!”

Watch the touching video below: