Saying I was nervous would be an understatement. My palms were soaked with sweat and my stomach in knots. I couldn't believe what I was about to do. Seconds felt like minutes and minutes like hours. Time couldn't pass quickly enough until I could ask the love of my life if she would be honored to be my wife!
My girlfriend and I planned a weekend getaway to Portland, OR. We had never been there, and we knew it would be a new experience for both of us. Once I purchased our flights on Southwest, I knew I wanted to propose to her while in-flight. I had no clue how I would make this happen. So, I reached out to Southwest’s Corporate Headquarters offices and explained my plan in detail without really expecting an instant response. But a couple of days later, Derek from Southwest contacted me. He was excited to help me with my plan, and said he’d do his best to help me out. He worked with various Employees in Las Vegas, Portland, and Dallas to make it happen. Derek gave me advice and guidance on how I should propose. I felt comfortable and excited at the same time. He later confirmed that it would work best if I do the proposal on the flight to Portland. I must remind you that the flight was the next day. I had less than 24 hours to prepare what I was going to say to her, and I had no clue!
So the next day, we received our boarding passes and position. Five minutes before we boarded the plane, I snuck away and called her parents for their blessing to marry their daughter. They were ecstatic and couldn't hold their excitement! They said, "Yes! You have our blessings!" Afterwards, I called my parents to let them know that once I landed in Oregon, I would have a fiancé. They also were filled with joy and wished me luck. I boarded in Group A, while my soon-to-be fiancé boarded in Group B. While we wanted to board together, I used this to my advantage to get on the plane first and introduce myself to the flight Crew.
Upon boarding the plane, I introduced myself to the Flight Attendant at the front. I let her know who I am, and then she looked back at the other two Flight Attendants and said, "It’s him! He's our special man!" It was good to know they were expecting me. That made the whole experience more comfortable. We briefly discussed what and how I was going to propose. We decided that before the plane landed, one of the Flight Attendants would tap me on my shoulder so that I could prepare myself. Then, the Captain would ask my girlfriend and me to come say a few words in the front of the aircraft to make it appear that I'm being honored for being a loyal Customer.
I went to my seat and waited for my girlfriend to board. She felt better seeing that I had saved her a seat right next to me. I was in the aisle seat. She was in the middle. We ordered drinks and talked about our flight. Little did she know what was in store for her. She wanted to take a nap, but I kept talking to her to keep her awake. Finally, I felt the tap on my shoulder. I told my girlfriend we were about to land and she should put her things away. She was confused because we were nowhere near the ground, but she complied.
I heard the Captain say our names through the speakers and we headed to the front. She looked confused as to why she was being asked to stand in the front. Before she got up, I handed the ring box to the Flight Attendant and my phone to another, who was ready to capture the moment. As I took hold of the microphone, my hands couldn't stop shaking. I knew the moment had to be right, and it was time to execute my plan.
I looked at my girlfriend and told her that I really loved and cared for her, and that I couldn't see myself without her. I put my right hand behind my back and the Flight Attendant placed the box in my hand. I got down on one knee. I saw the tears in her eyes as she held her hands over her mouth in shock. I said, "It would be an honor if you would be my wife." She immediately said, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"
Suddenly, I heard the flight Crew and Passengers congratulating and wishing us good luck. The Crew gave us a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
Upon returning to Las Vegas after our amazing trip, we were greeted by a congratulatory sign from the Las Vegas Employees. They also gifted a basket of Southwest goodies, flowers, a signed Southwest Crew poster, and more champagne.
I can proudly say everything went better than expected. Derek and the Crew were so helpful. I now have a fiancé and will always be thankful to Southwest for turning my vision into a reality!
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