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 son and daughter-in-law on their flight home after their wedding.
He coordinated with air traffic control (Albany Approach and Boston Center) to obtain permission and frequency to contact their flight, United 139.
The father spoke directly to the flight crew, asking them to convey good wishes to the newlyweds on board.
The flight crew not only congratulated the couple but also presented them with a bottle of Champagne, making their return 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