By Soo Kim
Copyright newsweek
A video capturing a heartwarming moment between a pilot and his girlfriend as he welcomed her aboard during her first flight with him has gone viral on TikTok.
The clip, posted by user @allieleicester on September 13, has since garnered over 1.2 million views. Text overlaid on the video reads: “First time being a passenger on my bf’s [boyfriend’s] flight and this is the announcement he made.”
In the background, the pilot’s voice is heard over the intercom addressing passengers and making a special nod to one traveler in particular.
“In [seat] 6A, we have a special guest—my girlfriend’s on board today, first time riding with me,” the pilot says, prompting audible applause from fellow passengers as the camera pans to Allie smiling bashfully. “She loves cookies, so if you have any extras, feel free to pass them her way,” he adds, eliciting laughter and cheers.
In the caption of the video, Allie wrote: “Not sure how I got so lucky. everyone clapping killed me.”
@allieleicester Not sure how I got so lucky🥹🤍👨✈️ everyone clapping killed me #pilot #pilotlife #pilotgirfriend #fyp #foryoupage ♬ original sound – allie
The viral moment comes at a time when the aviation industry continues to enjoy growing interest and high regard as a career path. The pilot profession was ranked 15th in the 2025 edition of U.S. News and World Report’s ’ “100 Best Jobs,” and second among the outlet’s “Best Social Service Jobs.” It also came in eighth among the “Best Paying Jobs” category.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for airline pilots in 2024 was reported to be $198,100. The BLS projects a 4 percent growth in employment for airline and commercial pilots between 2024 and 2034. On average, about 18,200 pilot job openings are expected each year over the next decade, largely due to workforce attrition and retirements.
The short clip sparked an outpouring of joy and admiration in the comments.
User Tam | UGC Creator wrote, “this is too darn cute,” while Patrick Lack chimed in with, “Love is in the air.”
Another user, @fatimacoded, commented: “i would feel so safe on that flight knowing the pilot had someone he loved on board.”
User amordresscode added: “Safe landing guaranteed.”
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
A stock image of a woman on a plane smiling while looking out the window.
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