Man boards plane to find he is only passenger on flight
Vincent Peone filmed unexpected private jet experience
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A rescheduled flight proved to be a blessing in disguise for one passenger after he found himself on what was effectively a private jet.
Vincent Peone, a writer and director from New York, thought it was quiet when he arrived for his 7pm Delta flight from Aspen, Colorado.
His flight home to JFK airport had earlier been reorganised from that morning, but for once, the hassle was quite the opposite of a source of misery.
Upon reaching the check in desk, he discovered he was about to enjoy the type of solo flight usually reserved for the few who can afford it.
“I had called them and got some information about what was available,” he told The Washington Post. “Coming back [to the airport] at 7pm meant I would have gotten to see more of Aspen, because it was a short trip anyway, so I took the later option.
“I didn’t know that I was the only person on the flight. So I arrived at the airport, which is a very tiny airport, and at the desk, they were like, “I don’t know if we even need to make the announcement, because it’s just you.”
“I was like, “Oh, no. Do the announcement.” Obviously everyone really enjoyed playing along.”
Well aware it was thus potentially a once in a lifetime experience, he seized the opportunity to document it all on video.
In the clip, which has gone viral on Twitter since he posted it with nearly 30,000 likes and more than 4,000 retweets, airport staff can be seen revelling in the experience as much as he was.
“Will the only passenger on this flight kindly board at this time,” a boarding gate assistant asks him.
The clip shows Mr Peone being escorted across the tarmac towards the aircraft, and he asks a staff member whether they have ever seen a lone passenger flying before. “Yes, I have,” she replies.
Meanwhile airfield workers are seen loading what appears to be sandbags into the baggage hold. “We’re just adding weight to the plane because there are no people,” Mr Peone says.
Inside the plane, a flight attendant struggles to hide her amusement as she continues protocols as if the 70-seater plane is full.
“Good evening, Vincent, and welcome aboard,” she said. “We look forward to taking care of you today.”
“To ensure an on-time departure, please remain in your assigned seat.”
But his favourite moment, as seen in the video, was reliving the childhood dream of entering the cockpit.
“Every step of the way, everybody was really sweet. The pilots letting me shake their hands – that was the most surprising part,” he said.
“It reminded me of an experience you’d have flying in the ‘50s or something. It was very positive, and they thought it was very funny.”
Mr Peone told The Washington Post that although Delta had not reached out to him formally, they quickly fired back to his video on Twitter, saying: ”Hi Vincent! That looks like an awesome experience! Thank you for the shoutout, and we truly appreciate you for choosing Delta! Take care. AJM”
Passenger Latsamy McAdoo, had a similar experience in December when she climbed the steps for her Bangkok Airways flight from the Thai capital to Koh Samui island and realised she was the only one on board.
Ms McAdoo, from Miami, recalled being allowed to “run up and down the aisles, dancing by myself”, and was treated to unlimited food and drink for the hour-long journey.
Last month budget airline easyJet announced some holidaymakers flying from Gatwick this August would find themselves on a luxury commuter jet with wider seats and more legroom, as the company chartered in five Embraer E-190s for its busiest summer yet.
But the airline was the centre of a social media storm for a very different reason last week, when a passenger posted a picture of a woman in a seat with no backrest.
Twitter user Matthew Harris, on board flight U22051 from London Luton to Geneva, captioned the image: “easyJet beats Ryanair to have backless seats...How can this be allowed.” The airline said the seats were awaiting repair and “no passengers” were allowed to sit there.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments