Saved by a Saxophone: Delayed Flight Gets Unexpected Holiday Cheer for Cranky Travelers
With frustrating delays on the tarmac during holiday travel at one of the busiest airports in the world, one might expect only cranky people to make the news.
But on flight 1238, stuck in Atlanta, some unexpected holiday cheer broke out—and everyone joined in for the chorus.
Passengers aboard the packed Delta flight had already been waiting for well over an hour to depart, when they were given more bad news—the replacement flight crew was stuck in traffic.
The weary flight attendants were trying their best to keep people comfortable and calm on the plane, but the travelers were hot, tired, and cramped in like sardines.
Kate Dailey could “feel the tension rising in the air,” but then something magical happened. A man stood up and began assembling his saxophone. Soon, he started playing Christmas Carols wandering up and down the aisle. The mood on the plane was immediately elevated although the aircraft was still on the ground.
People were clapping, singing along, and cheering this man for his playing. The sax player was Wayne Hoey, who served in the U.S. Army band for 20 years.
It was such a lovely thing to witness, and such a gift to everyone during a stressful travel time. He’s known for telling students, ‘Always bring your sax,’ exactly so they could have the opportunity he had on his flight to entertain and delight.