Short Final: Just Married

Editorial Staff

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A parent, flying their own aircraft, coordinated with air traffic control to surprise their newlywed son and daughter-in-law on their commercial flight (United 139).
The parent made contact with United 139 from their own plane, requesting the flight crew convey good wishes to the newlyweds onboard.
The flight crew responded positively, congratulating the couple over the intercom and presenting them with a bottle of Champagne.
This coordinated effort by the parent, air traffic control, and the flight crew made the newlyweds' return trip a memorable occasion.

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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