United Airlines Holds Plane to Lubbock so Man Can See Dying Mother
By: Ashley Hinson
Updated: March 8, 2013
On January 24th, Kerry Drake received word from his brother that their mom, Dolores of Littlefield, might not make it another day.
Drake immediately bought a plane ticket to Lubbock to be by her side.
In mid-flight, however, Drake realized he would miss his connection in Houston and was extremely upset knowing it was the last flight to Lubbock that day.
United Flight attendants went above and beyond, by not only consoling Drake, but also by asking united employees in Houston to hold the plane for more than 15 minutes, something they rarely do.
Drake's family said he was relieved when the ticket agent at his gate said they had been waiting for him; they're thankful for what United did.
"It was a great thing, great people," said Jimmy Drake, Kerry's father. "If he hadn't have made that connection he wouldn't have made it. He got time to see her and he got to see him and it wouldn't have happened otherwise. So to us it was a big thing."
Drake made it to a Lubbock hospital just in time to say his final goodbyes before Dolores passed away just hours later. Her family says they're extremely grateful to United for their kindness.
