Flight attendant Shelia Frederick was working on an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to San Francisco when she noticed something suspicious. A young girl, who appeared to be traveling with an elderly man, seemed hesitant to make eye contact and was dressed in worn-out clothes. Shelia’s instincts told her that something was off, and she couldn’t shake off the feeling.
As she served snacks on the plane, Shelia tried to make eye contact with the girl, but she avoided it. Shelia confided in a colleague about her concerns, and together, they hatched a plan to distract the man while Shelia tried to connect with the girl.
The plan worked, and the girl finally looked up, revealing a heartbreaking expression. Shelia was moved to tears and knew she had to act fast. She came up with a clever idea, locking one of the plane’s bathrooms and leaving a note and pencil inside. She then mouthed “restroom” to the girl while her colleague distracted the man.
The girl understood the cue and excused herself to use the restroom. Shelia waited anxiously, keeping a close eye on the man. When the girl emerged from the restroom, Shelia discovered a note that read, “I need help.”
Shelia immediately informed the pilot, who arranged for authorities to meet the plane upon landing. The man was arrested, and the young girl was rescued from human trafficking.
Shelia’s bravery and quick thinking saved the girl’s life, and their story has inspired many. The young woman, who has remained in touch with Shelia, is now attending college. Shelia’s selfless act is a reminder to trust our instincts and speak up when we see something suspicious.
