For many travelers, flying is a delightful part of the adventure, signaling the beginning of an enjoyable journey. However, not everyone feels this way about air travel.
Meet Sheila Frederick, a 49-year-old veteran flight attendant with Alaska Airlines. Over her impressive 15-year career, Sheila has encountered her fair share of tricky situations with passengers. Despite this, nothing could have prepared her for the extraordinary event she witnessed on a flight from Seattle to San Francisco.
During this particular flight, Sheila’s attention was drawn to a peculiar sight—a young blonde girl wearing worn-out clothing sitting beside a distinguished-looking older man. As Sheila made her way through the cabin, she couldn’t ignore the penetrating look from the girl, a silent plea that resonated deeply with her.
She recalled, “I had a strange feeling about this girl. My instincts told me something was wrong. The stark contrast in their appearances was the first clue. The difference was too noticeable to ignore.”
Determined to get to the bottom of this, Sheila approached the pair. The man’s defensive demeanor contrasted with the girl’s silence.
“It struck me that something was amiss. His age difference and hostility towards any movement around them were alarming. I’m grateful I intervened in time to make a difference,” Sheila explained.
After pondering her next move, Sheila wisely devised a plan to discreetly check on the girl’s wellbeing. She suggested the girl use the restroom strategically. Upon her return, Sheila checked the message the young girl had written inside the bathroom: “I need help.”
Without a second thought, Sheila alerted the authorities. Thanks to her prompt actions, law enforcement was ready and waiting upon the plane’s arrival.
The girl’s story unfolded: a 14-year-old swept into the dark world of human trafficking, a nightmare she endured for two agonizing months.
Nancy Rivard, a retired flight attendant, founded Airline Ambassadors International, an organization committed to training airline crew to spot signs of trafficking. Sheila has since received invaluable training from this initiative to sharpen her awareness for future flights.
