Delta crew aids stranded family at New York-JFK
"Prior to the holidays, Flight 102 from New York-JFK to Shannon,Ireland, was ready to depart when a passenger told Onboard Leader June Smith that he had lost $4,000 and passports for himself, his wife and three grandchildren. JFK Redcoat Winifred DaSilva and Gate Agent Marcia Patino helped search the gate area and nearby locations, but were unable to find the passports and had to escort the family off the plane and have their bags pulled. During the delay, Capt. Stephen Howell told the other passengers about the situation. Several joined in a search of the aircraft. When the search was unsuccessful, the passengers collected donations, and the crew presented $1,600 to the family. The JFK ramp crew was able to locate and retrieve the family's bags, and the flight left an hour and a half late. The captain was given permission to make up the time in the air, and the flight arrived 23 minutes late into Shannon. As the passengers left the plane in Shannon, one said, “I have never flown Delta before, but after witnessing what happened today, we will be back.""