Short Final: Just Married

Editorial Staff

Monday, December 23, 2019 at 06:04 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A father orchestrated a surprise for his newly married son and daughter-in-law on their return flight.
He contacted air traffic control to obtain permission and the frequency to communicate directly with United 139.
He then messaged the flight crew, requesting them to congratulate the newlyweds on board.
The flight crew delivered the well wishes and surprised the couple with a bottle of Champagne, making their journey memorable.

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My son and daughter‑in‑law had just married. I set in motion a plan to surprise them during their flight back home.

I got the frequency for Newark inbound flights at 16,000 feet from Albany Approach. I then contacted Boston Center for permission to contact United 139 for a personal message. Then it went like this:

Me: “United 139, this is Liberty 1234, about 3 miles directly below. My son and daughter‑in‑law were married two days ago; they’re on board, and I’m hoping you can surprise them with some good wishes?”

UAL 139: “That’s wonderful. We’ll join you in congratulating them, and their parents too!”

Whereupon the flight crew presented the newlyweds with their best wishes, and a bottle of Champagne.

Thank you to Albany Approach, Boston Center and the crew of UAL 139 for helping make the newlyweds’ return to the U.S. a memorable occasion!

Daniel Spitzer
Piermont, NY