Flying with a baby can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent. Will they cry? Will they disturb other passengers? Jake and Kelly Levine, on their return flight from Mexico to New Jersey with their five-month-old daughter Romey, certainly had their concerns. “Before the flight I was very anxious,” Kelly said.

However, their anxiety soon turned into gratitude when they had an unexpected meeting with a stranger on the plane. Little did they know, this encounter would not only make their journey smoother but also touch the hearts of millions online.

Romey was quickly captivated by the woman sitting next to them, who happened to be crocheting. Meegan Rubin, a fellow passenger, noticed Romey’s fascination and was delighted by her attention. “She started staring at me so inquisitively,” Rubin recalled. As Romey watched, mesmerized by Rubin’s skillful handiwork, little did the Levines know what surprise awaited them.

Passengers on the plane participated in the joy. Photo courtesy of Kelly Levine

Rubin, a self-taught crocheter who picked up the craft during the pandemic, seized the opportunity to spread some joy mid-flight. With just enough time and yarn, she decided to create a handmade beanie for Romey. “I just had to,” Rubin explained. Her act of kindness didn’t go unnoticed.

“We were totally shocked,” Kelly Levine said, as Rubin presented them with the tiny cream-colored hat just moments before landing. The moment was not just about the hat; it was about the warmth and kindness shared between strangers at 30,000 feet. As Kelly Levine recounted,

Everyone was so happy to witness the kindness of a stranger, for no particular reason other than just to be nice.”

Before people began leaving the plane, it was time to try on the gift. “We landed and right as everybody was getting up, I was like, ‘I’m finished! … Let’s see if it fits the baby,” Rubin said. And everyone agreed, Romey’s new hat was “a perfect fit.” Her parents were amazed. “It’s wild,” Jake Levine said. “So talented.”

Kelly Levine with her 5-month-old daughter, Romey, wearing the hat a stranger crocheted for her on a Jan. 6 flight. Photo courtesy of Kelly Levine

The story didn’t end on the plane. Kelly decided to share their heartwarming experience on social media, hoping to spread a little more positivity. Their TikTok post quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and touching the hearts of people worldwide.

@kellyryan49 Good people are the best #babies #babiesoftiktok #flyingwithkids #payitforward #goodnews #goodnewsmovement #firstflight #flyinghacks #united @United Airlines ♬ Gods creation – daniel.mp3

Rubin, too, was taken aback by the response. Suddenly, her Instagram account dedicated to crocheting saw a surge in followers. “I’m feeling very grateful that it happened, and that it’s inspiring other people,” Rubin said.

For the Levines, this experience isn’t just a fleeting memory. It’s a lesson they plan to pass down to Romey. “I will make sure Romey knows for the rest of her life that people can be nice to each other for no reason,” Kelly Levine affirmed.

As for Rubin, she’s more than happy to continue being a part of their lives. “I’m going to always make that baby gifts,” she declared.

In a world often overshadowed by negativity, the story of the Levines and Rubin serves as a beautiful reminder that kindness knows no bounds, even at 30,000 feet. So, the next time you’re on a plane, take a moment to look around. You never know the connections and acts of kindness waiting to unfold in the friendly skies.  Watch below for a look at this group of new friends.

Sources: Good Morning America | Washington Post