A United Airlines pilot has captured hearts online after personally arranging and distributing 30 pizzas to passengers during an unexpected delay caused by an emergency landing.
Captain Scott Wardle, now nicknamed the “Pizza Pilot,” stepped up to ensure passengers felt cared for during what could have been a frustrating ordeal.
Speaking to local media, Wardle said: “After 30 years of piloting for the Air Force and as a civilian, I know what it feels like to be stuck at the airport, and I just ‘had to do something to show we care.’”
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The incident occurred during a flight from Boise to Phoenix via Houston. About 45 minutes into the journey, a passenger fell unconscious, prompting Wardle to divert the flight to Albuquerque for medical assistance.
Although medical professionals on board attended to the passenger, Wardle opted for caution and landed the plane around 11 p.m., just as most airport dining options had closed.
After arranging the medical care, Wardle learned the flight would face additional delays because the cabin crew had reached their maximum working hours and a new team was en route. Faced with 155 tired and hungry passengers, he decided to take action.
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“I made sure to confirm they were on the way with the company, and then I thought, I got to do something with all these people,” Wardle told KTVB 7.
“So, I started exploring some options at that point for what I want to do. I came up with the idea of doing pizza for everyone. It’s an easy thing, most people like pizza.”
Using his phone, Wardle placed an order for dozens of pizzas and, with the help of the airport staff, transformed a check-in counter into a makeshift serving station.
Photos and videos of the uniformed pilot cheerfully handing out pizza slices quickly went viral, garnering widespread admiration.
Passengers praised Wardle for his thoughtfulness, and the images even reached his former Air Force colleagues, who recognized their old friend.
“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal, I just did my thing,” Wardle said. “Many pilots in our company do this sort of thing, I just happened to get my picture taken.”
United Airlines has since reimbursed Wardle for the pizzas and commended his actions as a shining example of their commitment to customer care. “He waited until every passenger had a slice in their hands before sitting down himself for a pie,” a spokesperson noted.
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