Passenger had panic attack mid flight — flight attendant's thoughtful actions brought him out of it

Panic attacks can feel tremendously scary and the flight attendant made a massive difference with her response.

PUBLISHED JUL 7, 2025

Passenger in flight having panic attack and struggling with fear. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images| urbazon), (R) Flight attendant approaching passenger and attending to them. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images| izusek)

Having panic or anxiety attacks can look different for different people and feel extremely threatening at that moment. A passenger on a Delta flight was experiencing a panic attack while he was traveling. A woman who goes by @mama5jays on TikTok, who also happened to be on the same flight behind the passenger, witnessed the situation. While things could have taken a scary turn, the flight attendant stepped in with an incredible gesture and calmed the person down. Her actions are being applauded by many, with the video having gained over 3 million views, 530,000 likes and nearly 5,000 comments.

Delta flight mid-air. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Matheus Obst)

According to Harvard Health, a panic attack may occur when a person is triggered or experiences a stressful situation. Though there might be no real danger, they feel threatened and experience immense fear and anxiety. It can cause shortness of breath, an increased heart rate, nausea, dizziness and several other symptoms. The treatment might include anti-depressants and other prescriptions but there are also immediate practices that can help calm a person. These include practicing breathing, redirecting focus and visuals.

Man about to have panic attack holding seat tightly while seated in plane during flight. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Peter Dazeley)

In the video, the woman mentioned that the passenger in front of her was having an attack and seemed uncomfortable. Without hesitation, the flight attendant approached him and began to calm him down. She bent to his seat level to try and communicate clearly with the man. Furthermore, she can be heard helping the man regulate his breathing by doing a breathing count slowly with him. During each count, she guided him and comforted him with a low, soothing voice and gentle hand gestures. “This flight attendant was remarkable. She sat with him and talked him through it. Amazing, well done!” the text overlay read.

Flight attendant paying close attention to passengers. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Hinterhaus Productions)

A man who goes by @zach_schwa claimed, disclosed that the flight attendant was his mother. In a comment, he mentioned that she had been working with the airlines for years. “More than that, she’s genuinely been someone who cares about people. Helping others is just who she is. So proud to see the world recognizing that.” To this, the woman responded, “She was amazing! Kudos to your mom. I told her on the flight how amazing she was. I hope she feels the love.” A user, @nebula.x7, mentioned that they were working with Delta and would ensure the crew member got well-deserved recognition for doing her job so thoughtfully.

Image Source: TikTok| erinbear410 — Image Source: TikTok| @erinbear410

Delta representatives were proud to learn of their employee’s actions, per The New York Post. “The actions of this flight attendant represent the Delta Difference and are a perfect example of why our 100,000 employees are the best in the business at taking care of our customers every day,” they noted. Many others who struggle with anxiety were relieved to know there’s good out there. @themollyweird resonated with the passenger and said, “I had a panic on an international Delta flight and the flight attendant was so kind. He sat with me through it and brought me ice cream from business class. 10 years later, I still remember him.” @sandradee1042 said, “For those who don’t know, anxiety or panic attacks are debilitating. I commend this woman.”

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