Left this morning for my first 2024 race trip. Checking off three states between Friday and Monday.

I pretty exclusively fly Southwest. And I want to give a shoutout to this guy.

From what I observed, a lunch conversation with him would be fun. He’s got a story or two, no doubt.

But my shoutout is due to his leading a flight in a way I’ve never witnessed. Here are six ways he did it.

• It was his cabin. There was no question who was in charge.
• He set the tone. There was no question about how any craziness would be addressed.
• He cared more than usual. He asked and reasked passengers about their wants and needs unlike any flight attendant I recall.
• He balanced firmness with laughter. Firmness first,  followed by plenty of relaxed engagement.
• He led a unified crew. They followed his lead and appeared to respect and enjoy each other.
• He was comfortable in his own skin doing things his way. He knew how he wanted things to go and enjoyed doing it.

It wasn’t appropriate as we deplaned, but I wanted to tell him employees like him give Southwest a good name. More importantly,  for all the people he’d say he represents, he gives all of them a good name.

Well done, Sir!