WOW!! the captain actually cried saying "That was an honor to me!" I really want to shake his hand!

For those in the military, I say "Thank you for your service". for the rest of us, please take a moment, when you see a veteran from any war, to say thank you to them.

Southwest pilots are awesome. Never hear of any other airline honoring our hero veterans. Keep it up southwest

My Dad just passed away...retired Colonel and Command Pilot...he would have loved to see this. The greatest generation.

God Bless Captain John of Southwest and the family of 1st Lt. Alva Spain. My father was born the same year as Mr. Spain, and passed in 2007. He left the Army AF in 1946 as a Major, instructing and flying PBYs and the B17G, in Illinois, Mississippi, and Florida. He followed McArthur's advance through the Pacific, flying with the 5th AF, 6th Emergency Rescue Squadron. Mr. Spain and my Dad were truly among the Greatest Generation. Our generation pales by comparison.

After 17 yrs of flying Southwest this is why I continue to fly them because they not only love our veterans they genuinely care!

Who the hell is chopping onions at a time like this???

Great stuff Southwset, there are so few WWII veterans still alive today, they deserve all the tributes they get.

Very touching! I recently turned 17, but sadly, just 7 hours prior to my 17th birthday, on the 5th of June, 2018, my great grandfather passed away at the age of 96, just a week short of his 97th birthday. My great grandpa was a flight engineer for United Airlines on the DC-10. I got to keep a plaque of his with the picture of a DC-10 on it. He served United for a very long time before he retired.

Every time I need a "Feel Good" moment, I watch this video. That captain did not have to do what he did with that WWII vet, but he did and that just goes to show that good and good people do exist. A lot of good people work in one fashion or another with the aviation segment of society.

I honestly don't know how anyone could give this video a thumbs down. So very cool. It really struct a nerve for me. Two of my Grandfathers were in WW2, along with my Great Uncle. I'm glad I choose to fly South West. This makes them that much cooler.

What a great gesture by the Capt. Thanks from a veteran sir honoring a great WWII vet.

I really love how Southwest emphasizes the sacrifices and service of our troops and veterans. Southwest has always been my airline, but I have a new appreciation for them as a company. 💙❤️💛

This is truly honoring a Veteran. I'm not saying the free stuff and food on 11NOV isn't nice it is but to truly honor a Veteran is to truly listen to his or her experience. Each h one of us have experience and not a lot of us ever really get asked to share that experience.

You LEGEND Captain.....both you you! Brought tears to my eyes!!!

Just saw this, this is what we ALL need to be like. Respect those who came before us, risked their lives for what we have today and let them know that what they did will never be forgotten. Kudos to the pilot of South West, very class move. Thank you for being an american man.

I didn't plan on crying tonight. What a great story and thank you for sharing it!

I must say I am not someone who posts comments, but this particular video unexpectedly brought real tears to my eyes when watching it. I have always had the greatest respect for our military, and especially for who are not often enough referred to as “the greatest generation”,..my father being one of them. This gesture of recognition, admiration and sincere appreciation the Alaskan Airlines flight caption paid to a true WW2 U.S. military pilot is absolutely priceless. Did you see the tears streaming from the outer edges of his eyes as he was explaining the significance the meeting had on him? This is true appreciation. And hearing him say how he so treasures the little bit of time he got to share with the WW2 pilot, and the profound impact the chance meeting had on him, speaks volumes. May God forever bless all those who have sacrificed to keep The United States free. I will forever be greatful for their service.

I use to work for TWA and I miss working for the airlines, It is special times like these that warm your heart. You think how a passenger touched your life and hopefully as an airline employee that you did the same for your passengers. My brother was a flight attendant for over 30 yrs with AA. He worked with some of the best pilots. He knew everyone that flew into the Pentagon that terrible day on 9/11. He knew that pilot very well as he had flown with him many a times. Many people these days are frustrated with the airlines as passengers. That is understandable as it has changed so much. But, it doesn't excuse the fact that each employee for the airlines do their best and work hard. It is what goes on behind the scenes that makes that airline a success. So, I just want to say to this pilot at SWA and the family of this video...Thank You. For it is times like these that make your day as an airline employee. It is what we were made for and it is in our blood as we get you to your destination!!!!

Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming story,,

Wow. I am speechless. This is one of the many reason why my family always flies you guys! Every time I fly with you guys I always sit down with the pilots up front and talk to them from an aspiring pilot to pilot. The SWA pilots are ALWAYS willing to talk and just be great! God bless this airline.

There is a very real reason that Southwest Airlines uses a heart as their logo... it is a family... a family that cares about the staff, the pilots, the attendants, AND their customers.

Southwest, Ya'll are the best. From our Daddys to you, Thank you for your time and Caring. It means alot to them, and us to see them smile. ♥️👍

Darn it, Southwest! You make me cry with all these touching stories. But, thank you! God bless the two pilots so far apart in years, yet so alike.

Thanks for sharing this story. Most WWII soldiers are now gone, but for the few that are left and read this post, I just want to thank you for your service.

People find such dumb reasons to hate on such a caring airline.

Southwest Airlines do many emotional videos every now and then What got me is this video and the Captain who brought back his dad’s remainings after he is gone for 52 years leaving lovefield airport

What a grand story! Thanks to that pilot and his heart for a true hero.

This is why I love southwest. They are so nice to everyone. If this was American Airlines or Delta they would have treated him as a normal passenger.

So nice to see real good people paying tribute to a great man!

Thank You sir for your service and maybe you find smooth skies in the afterlife!!! And Thank You Captain for honoring one of our honored veterans!!!

I wanted to try saying something profound about this video, but I can think of nothing. Tears ran down my cheek as I watched the video unfold. Mankind is so rich with good deeds we mostly never hear about. Here is one that did not get away. God Bless Lt AJ and this modern day pilot who saw living history and acknowledged the sacrifice. As an Air Force veteran, I know how it makes me feel when someone says thank you and shakes your hand. I know this had an impact far beyond these two people. It restores my faith in mankind when I see things like this.

Thought it was 4 years ago, it is so very touching and awesome. That Captain made the day of that veteran and in turn the veteran made the Captain's day!!

A heart wrenching beautiful story and quite the fitting tribute to an outstanding WW II veteran but then again I'd expect nothing less from Southwest, their the best airline in the entire world for a reason!

I worked for another airline for 30 years & said when I retired I would be a flight attendant for southwest for this very reason They are great 👍👍

I thought I was tough, till the capt lost it TWICE, then the flood gates opened. Wonderful, touching story. Thx for sharing it SWA.

VERY VERY VERY "Heartfelt" ! God Bless our Troop's / and Southwest !

I love southwest

This humble southwest pilot had tears, made me cry as well😢

How very touching. My dad was a DDay Veteran. He died 4.5 years ago. I miss him terribly.

What an honor for this pilot to have this privlage. RIP airman.

I just love Southwest!!! Only airlines I will fly, THANK YOU ALL, EVERYONE , who work for Southwest Airlines! God Bless and keep up the great work!!!!! I have seen some funny videos of airline attendants doing some impersonations while telling passengers the main info of their flight, hoping one day I will be on a flight with one of those talented attendants! LOL

southwest why you gotta make a man cry. damn you.

From the widow of a WWII pilot, thank you.

Southwest has consistently been a top performing airline. Good experience.👌

My uncle, Capt John Matter was one of Southwest's first pilots-his son John flew for Southwest many years later and several of his daughters were flight attendants

I'm proud to know a Southwest Airlines pilot who flies out of west Phoenix (near Luke Airforce base). This man has 2000+ hours in F-16s--if you fly for Southwest you can probably figure out who I'm referring to by now...but I will not speak his name--its private to him alone. If you have to ask, it's probably because he keeps a low profile and doesn't brag about himself. He has always been one of a handful of the most humble, outgoing and genuinely fine men I've had the privilege to know, even though I don't know him all that well these days--it's been several years since we've spoken, much to my loss. But he would have done just what this pilot in command did too, and would have felt it just as much. Kudos to both.

when I am an old veteran, many moons from now. I hope that I will be as lucky.

What a treasure, I’d fly with that captain any time

Wow how wonderful is this,thank you Captain for your kindness and generosity!❤️❤️👍

Thank you captain for going out of your way to honor a hero the way you did.

Who put a bowl of onions in front of my face

Thank you, Sir......and Thank you, Sir.

Wow! Southwest, this up lifted my day. What a wonderful story about two great men. Thanks to the Captain and thanks to the family for sharing this amazing story. We love your airline!

Thanks for treating one of my Lubbock neighbors so well, SWA!

This was SOO touching

A little kindness can go a long way. Great job Captain!

What a very awesome pilot to do that for the veteran! Thank you veterans and the men and women enlisted today. I thank and pray for them because we non military people will never understand the hell they see, go through and live after their services. Thank you and God bless you.

Who gave this video a thumbs down???? Nutty people out there.

Way to go Southwest. I luv this!

good people.. beautiful hearts .

Wow.. thank you to the Captain for honoring a vet, and thank you to Capt. Spain for his service!

I won't fly any other airline as long as they are flying where I am. Awesome video and respect to one of our best generation.

Absolutely beautiful story!

Why do most Southwest videos make me cry 😭 I can’t wait to fly for u guys!

Southwest are a great airline and employ the best staff who have heart and character God bless southwest n it’s employees

THIS IS WHY I LOVE MY COUNTRY! Thank you Southwest Airlines! You are Making America Great Again!

Well Done Captain Sir & well done Southwest ...

My dad flew in RAF bomber command WW2 was en route to Canada mentioned to flight attendant that he was in RAF and could he have a look upfront , was treated with upmost respect moved to first class with mum and were given champagne !! , thanks AIR CANADA

I got something in my eye! Pilots are pilots, I can't help loving them all, well, most!!!

What an amazing and humble Southwest pilot , and honourable gesture 👏🥇.

We have some of the BEST people , take time and look around at how many are NEAR you everyday! Appreciate them!

It has been said before, " Pilots are a special breed with an air about them".

Soon, they will all be in the heavens. It has been an honor to know them and appreciate the sacrifice and hard work.

Two fine gentlemen of honor sitting together. It doesn't get much better than that.

Sometimes the smallest gesture that you do for someone else turns out to be the biggest thing that you have done for someone else who only spent a few minutes in your life.

I'm Andy and I want to be a airline pilot! I love Southwest and I always will. I hope I can be a pilot for Southwest!😀 What a touching story👍👍

This is why I LUV Southwest! Beautiful Video!!

Great story. Need more people like the captain

This is so nice of southwest to make this video. If I met this pilot I would thank him. This is the nicest pilots. Thank you Southwest Airlines and give that pilot a raise. #Givethepilotaraise. R.I.P Lt. "AJ" Spain will be missed

Once upon a time, not so long ago, existed a noticeable courtesy among cockpit crew across company lines, equipment, missions. Southwest was one group that could extend a gracious welcome, its heartwarming to learn it may still remain in a few good men and women.TYVM(fmr. PanAm & heir to WWII,preWWII left seaters).

Love this airline!

very touching GOD BLESS THAT PILOT.

Thank you, Southwest, for all you are to us all.

The veteran looked so young!

What an amazing story. Well done Captain, we’ll done.

How many chances you get in life to meet a II.World War Pilot ..? That's a very touching story.. That's awsom... KUDOS to both of them..

THANK YOU, SOUTHWEST AIRLINES.

Pilot is a class act!

Bless you Captain for taking the time with this true hero. And for the 264 dislikes, shame on you....

What a fabulous video, a touching story, and an appreciation of two airmen dedicated to the safety and protection of life. We could all learn humility, humanity, compassion, understanding, and appreciation from these two men of the sky. Thank you, Southwest and Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to honor Lt. A. J. Spain

It doesn't get cooler than that......period.

Moving to say the least. Thank-you Captain for honoring the Greatest Generation. Wish I could have sat in the jump seat and listened into your conversations. Fly high and fly right...

Terrific job Captain. Well done.

Very moving. This is why I Fly Southwest. If This Were United Airlines that veteran would have been thrown out.

The greatest generation indeed

These are just a few reasons out of millions that make this Airline company so special! To every employee of Southwest Airlines, I salute your hearts and hard work that makes you an Amazing Airline.

This will stay with me for a long time

What a BEAUTIFUL story! God bless you Captain John!

Southwest the only thing your videos do is make me cry.