A United Airlines flight attendant is being praised for a quick-thinking act of kindness after she stepped in to help an overwhelmed mother whose baby started to slide from her lap while she slept during a flight.
The heartwarming moment was shared on Instagram by fellow passenger John Frehse, who commended flight attendant Monique Harris for her calm response on United flight 3486, traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Frehse said United Airlines should be proud of Harris, explaining that the visibly exhausted new mom had nodded off just as her infant appeared to be slipping out of her arms.
Passenger John Frehse posted about the touching exchange involving flight attendant Monique Harris and the family on Instagram. (Instagram/ woodylovestravel)
According to Frehse, Harris immediately moved to catch the baby, then gently encouraged the mother to continue resting while she held the child and gave her a much-needed break.
Frehse also shared a photo appearing to show Harris holding the baby aboard the aircraft.
“All is not lost in the turbulent time,” he wrote.
Frehse tagged United CEO Scott Kirby in the post and said he has flown more than 2 million miles with the airline.
“She is an A+ employee,” he wrote. “Take note!!!”
Flight attendant Monique Harris was praised for her quick response aboard United flight 3486 from Newark, New Jersey, to Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Facebook/Monique Unique Harris)
Harris responded to the praise in the comments, saying she was moved by the attention the moment had received.
“I’m in tears,” she wrote, adding, “I never do anything for recognition.”
Harris said she “had no idea that being my normal natural self would grow into such a priceless moment,” and thanked Frehse and others for the comments.
Republic Airways, which operates flights for United and other airlines, praised Harris in an email to News Media.
“We agree with all the positive comments I saw on the post: Monique is an extraordinary colleague and flight attendant!” the carrier said.
United Airlines planes are seen at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey, Nov. 3, 2025. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The carrier also responded to the initial social media post, saying it was proud to have Harris on its team.
“Such a great story!” the airline wrote. “We are proud to have Monique on our team.”
United Airlines responded to the post with a teary-eyed emoji.