A passenger gave birth just before landing at JFK, and the sound delivers fully
Air travel can be stressful, there’s no doubt about it. Cramped, stuffy rooms with coughing strangers, turbulence and the strange smell wafting through the air can put us all on edge. Now imagine giving birth in the middle of all that.
That’s what happened Saturday on Caribbean Airlines Flight BW005 from Kingston, Jamaica, to New York, when a woman went into labor during the plane’s final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport. According to CBS New Yorkthe crew alerted air traffic control as they descended and requested a direct approach and medical attention at the gate.
The radio exchange is one the frequency will never forget. In the audio released by CBS, the pilot says, “We have a passenger, a pregnant passenger, who is going into labor at this time.” After landing, a JFK ground controller asks the question everyone was clearly thinking: “Is it out yet?” The pilot replies, “Yes, sir.” Then the controller’s next line was what everyone online thought was the most precious thing ever, “Okay, tell her to call it Kennedy.” The pilot, laughing, replies, “Ah, Kennedy, will.”
A passenger had a baby moments before landing at JFK and the sound is wild
It’s cute and it’s fun, which still doesn’t negate the fact that giving birth on a commercial flight sounds like a waking nightmare. Small seats, recycled air, a cabin full of strangers and no dignified way to deal with any of it. People complain when Wi-Fi is down. This woman gave birth to a whole human being somewhere over New York.
Caribbean Airlines confirmed the birth and said medical personnel were waiting when the flight arrived at JFK. In a statement quoted by CBS, the airline said: “The airline commends the professionalism and measured response of its crew, who managed the situation in accordance with established procedures, ensuring the safety and comfort of all on board.” CBS could not confirm whether the baby’s name was actually Kennedy. A stupid joke heard over the airport radio is one thing. Giving your child a name because a ground controller got a line off is another.
It is healthy though. Air travel has been a bit of an agonizing process for the past few years. Delays, fees, insulting seat assignments and the general emotional temperature at an airport gate at 6. Then, out of nowhere, you get a cute story like this. We take the easy relief.
