A wealthy man grew irritated upon realizing he was seated next to a plus-sized woman in first class. Frustrated, he wasted no time in voicing his displeasure to the flight attendant.
From the moment James Courtney saw the woman who would be his seatmate, he knew this flight wouldn’t be enjoyable. She was enormous! How was he supposed to endure the discomfort of sitting beside her?
As she settled into her seat and fastened her belt, her elbow accidentally brushed against James.
“Watch it!” he snapped, his irritation evident.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice gentle. “Please excuse me…”
James scoffed. “Excuse me? Oh, how thoughtful. Maybe you should excuse the thousands of doughnuts you ate to get that size.”
The woman gasped, clearly shocked by his words. James, noticing her youthful appearance and soft expression, smirked. “Madam, when you travel, you might want to consider booking two seats.”
Her eyes welled up with tears, but James wasn’t done. He took in her modest clothing and worn-out shoes, further fueling his disdain.
“I suppose all your money goes to nachos and hot dogs, huh?” he sneered. “Can’t afford two seats? Maybe next time, you should pass around a donation jar for your fellow passengers.”
She turned toward the window, and James caught a glimpse of her reflection—tears slipping down her cheeks. Still, he pressed on.
“I know a guy in Mexico who runs a clinic. He could get you a great deal on liposuction,” he remarked with mock generosity.
The woman trembled as she tried to contain her tears, while James felt smug satisfaction at having asserted himself.
When the flight attendant arrived with the drinks cart, James ordered a Martini, confidently adding, “Shaken, not stirred,” as he tried to charm her with his James Bond impression. Then, glancing at his seatmate, he quipped, “I’m not sure what this big lady here wants to drink.”
The flight attendant’s expression hardened as she ignored him and turned to the woman. “Ma’am, would you like something to drink?”
The woman nodded and softly requested a diet Coke.
James rolled his eyes. “A diet Coke? Isn’t it a little late for that?”
Both the woman and the flight attendant ignored him. Annoyed, but still pleased with himself, James leaned back, savoring his drink and anticipating the inevitable moment when she’d have to squeeze past him to use the restroom.
When dinner was served, the flight attendant placed a meal before him, along with one for his seatmate. James smirked.
“Are you sure that’s enough food?” he quipped. “Maybe the rest of us should pitch in.”
The flight attendant didn’t respond, continuing her service as if he hadn’t spoken. James turned to his seatmate. “That was rude of her, wasn’t it? I’m thinking of filing a complaint.”
She remained silent, leaving James to enjoy his meal alone.
Just as he finished his wine, the flight attendant returned with a bright smile.
“Excuse me,” she said. “The captain is a huge fan of yours and would love to invite you to the cockpit.”
James raised an eyebrow—until he realized she wasn’t talking to him. She was speaking to the woman beside him. The woman’s face lit up as she nodded in delight.
James had no choice but to stand and let her pass.
As she walked away, he prepared to draft a series of complaints about the airline’s poor first-class service. But before he could finish, the captain’s voice boomed over the intercom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special guest onboard! If you’re a fan of I Love Opera, you’ll recognize this incredible voice!”
A beautiful, powerful melody filled the cabin as the passengers erupted into applause.
“That’s right!” the captain announced. “We’re honored to have the talented Maria Jones with us today, as she heads to perform at a charity concert for world hunger!”
The applause grew louder, much to James’ discomfort. Before he could react, the flight attendant returned, her tone firm.
“I don’t care how rich you are,” she said. “If you speak to that woman like that again, I’ll have you moved to economy.”
James was about to protest, but the sharp glint in her eye made him reconsider. He grumbled, “I’m sorry.”
“Not to me,” she replied.
When Maria returned, she was all smiles, happily signing autographs for passengers. James quickly stood to let her sit.
“Listen,” he said, flashing his most charming smile. “I’m sorry if I was a little rude. I had no idea who you were.”
Maria met his gaze, her eyes filled with quiet strength.
“It shouldn’t matter who I am,” she said. “Treating people with kindness isn’t about status. And let’s be honest—you’re only apologizing because I’m famous. You judge people too quickly. Maybe it’s time you change that.”
James said nothing, sinking into his seat as the plane continued its journey to Portland.