Airplane travel is known for its chaos—delayed flights, crowded airports, and the occasional crying baby. But amidst the hustle and bustle, a heartwarming viral TikTok video from last year has gone viral again, capturing the world’s attention and spreading joy to nearly 7 million viewers. Originally posted by Detroit mom Isabella LaLonde, the clip shows a beautiful moment of kindness in the midst of a stressful flight: three grandmothers stepping in to comfort a screaming baby on her first-ever plane ride.
The video’s caption tells the story perfectly:
“This was on Gray’s first plane ride. She started screaming 30 mins into the flight. These women saw how overwhelmed I was. And held out their arms to offer help. Gray immediately stopped crying. The lady holding her was a teacher for over 40 years. Thank you for your kindness. It meant the world to me.”
Watching the three grandmothers lean over baby Gray is a magical moment. The video reminds us of the unique touch grandmothers bring and the grace moms so desperately need—especially on airplanes.
@isabellalalonde when you’re seated next to a row of grandmas🥹🤍 #fyp #plane #smallgestures ♬ Stuff We Did (from ‘Up’) – Piano Version – your movie soundtrack
The gentle magic of grandmothers
Grandmothers have a special kind of superpower. Decades of experience have honed their ability to turn chaos into calm with nothing more than a warm smile and open arms. The grandmother who held baby Gray wasn’t just any kind stranger—she had been a teacher for over 40 years, no doubt soothing countless children along the way.
With one simple gesture, she quieted the tears and brought a sense of peace, not only to baby Gray but also to her frazzled mom. It’s the kind of gentleness that only a grandmother can bring—the quiet assurance that everything will be okay, paired with an uncanny knack for making it so.
Related: This grandpa has all of TikTok crying over a father/daughter dance—and we are not okay
Moms deserve grace (and a little help)
Let’s be honest: flying with a baby can feel like a high-stakes endeavor. Parents pack for every possible scenario, pray for smooth skies, and still brace for the inevitable mid-flight meltdown. When the tears come, the pressure to calm your child while dodging judgmental stares can be overwhelming.
That’s what makes the kindness of strangers so powerful. These grandmothers didn’t just soothe a crying baby—they wrapped this mom in a cocoon of support, letting her know she wasn’t alone. In a world where parents often feel judged, this moment of grace was a breath of fresh air.
Why grandmas always know best
There’s a reason grandmothers are so often called wise. They’ve seen it all—sleepless nights, temper tantrums, and public meltdowns—and they know that even the toughest moments pass. Their calm presence is a reminder that motherhood doesn’t have to be perfect, and neither does the journey.
At 30,000 feet, these three grandmothers remind us of the beauty of community. Sometimes, all it takes is a small gesture of kindness to transform a stressful moment into something unforgettable.
A reminder to offer grace
As the holiday travel season winds down, this viral video is a sweet reminder for all of us. The next time you hear a baby crying on a plane, channel these grandmothers. Offer a smile, a reassuring word, or even an extra hand. Just like a grandma would.
