A passenger shared their experience of accidentally flying on a private plane after a 14-hour delay on a Delta flight from San Francisco to Minneapolis. Due to everyone else on the original flight switching to other flights, the person ended up being the only non-crew member onboard the new flight. The empty plane experience was a first for the passenger, despite having taken over 80 flights in the past three years. The crew went above and beyond to provide a special experience, offering all available snacks, a full meal, and even inviting the passenger into the cockpit and sharing trading cards upon landing. The personalized message over the intercom during descent made the passenger feel truly special, despite the inconvenience of the delay and being stranded at 3am.
While the passenger appreciated the crew’s efforts, they were less impressed with the airline for the delay and the lack of taxis at 3am. Despite the inconvenience, the passenger described the experience as cool and unique, acknowledging that it was likely a one-time occurrence. Other Reddit users also shared their own experiences of flying on empty flights, with some enjoying the attentive service and special treatment, while others found it strange and nerve-wracking to be the only passenger on board. Some shared similar stories of flying on nearly empty flights with different airlines, including unlimited prosecco and snacks provided by the crew.
Travel experts suggested booking flights during off-peak times, such as early mornings or late nights, and on days with lower travel demand, like major holidays, to increase the chances of flying on an empty plane. Flying on routes between smaller cities with less popular airlines or looking out for tag routes, where an additional stop is added to a commercial flight between two destinations, could also provide opportunities for having a less crowded flight experience. Tips for increasing the chances of booking an empty flight were shared to help travelers potentially enjoy the benefits of having more space and personalized service while flying.
Overall, the accidental private flight experience was described as a special and memorable one for the passenger, despite the initial delay and inconvenience. The crew went out of their way to make the lone passenger feel like a VIP, providing excellent service and making the flight a unique and enjoyable experience. Despite only happening due to unforeseen circumstances, the passenger appreciated the opportunity to fly on an empty plane and receive special treatment from the crew. Sharing the experience on social media, the passenger joined others in recounting their own stories of flying on nearly empty flights and enjoying the perks of personalized service and attention from the flight crew.
