I have the most-delayed flight out of Cleveland today. pic.twitter.com/7jeRjJvYeh
— Chris O’Leary (@ohhleary) January 12, 2015
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Travelers would be thrilled to have an empty seat next to them on a plane — or better yet, an empty row of seats. But one man got something even better: an empty plane.
Monday, Chris O’Leary was supposed to fly from Cleveland to New York. He was notified via text message that his flight was delayed several times. When he finally headed to the airport, he found out the airline rebooked everyone on that flight but him.
They rebooked everyone but me on another flight to LGA, so I am literally the only person on this plane. pic.twitter.com/ZZNPACUOfR — Chris O’Leary (@ohhleary) January 12, 2015
So he boarded the plane alone — even got his own personal safety briefing from two flight attendants — and tweeted photos of himself among rows of empty seats.
Just got a personal safety briefing from my two flight attendants.
— Chris O’Leary (@ohhleary) January 12, 2015
No, I’m not joking. I’m the only one on this plane. pic.twitter.com/UcZ8BZLop1 — Chris O’Leary (@ohhleary) January 12, 2015
He told ABC News, “It was definitely the most memorable flight I’ve been on in recent memory if only for the sheer lack of passengers to become bothersome. There were no screaming babies, no one listening to loud lyrics or reclining their seats or taking their shoes.”
But if it seems too good to be true, it usually is: right before take-off, the plane ended up going back to pick up a second passenger.
The thrill is gone, you guys. Just as we were about to push back, they reconnected the jet bridge to let a second passenger on the flight. 😥
— Chris O’Leary (@ohhleary) January 12, 2015
O’Leary said the second passenger slept during the entire flight.
Reaction to this story from my mom: “I’m glad you got a haircut.” — Chris O’Leary (@ohhleary) January 13, 2015
