For most travelers, a commercial flight means sharing space with dozens—if not hundreds—of passengers. But for two college students from Utah, their recent trip felt more like a private jet experience.
Natalie Wolfley and Savannah Sargent were the only two passengers aboard a Southwest Airlines flight departing from Salt Lake City International Airport. The surreal experience, which they documented in a TikTok video, quickly gained viral attention, racking up over 4 million views.
A Surprise at Check-In
The two friends, both originally from Arizona, were heading home for Savannah’s bridal shower when they learned about their unusual flight situation. It wasn’t until they arrived at the airport that a staff member casually mentioned they had what appeared to be a “chartered plane.”
“We thought he was joking,” Savannah recalled. “But then he turned the screen around, and we saw that only two tickets had been purchased—ours.”
With a plane that normally seats 175 passengers, the duo had an entire aircraft to themselves.
A Personal Touch from the Crew
Unlike typical flights, where announcements are made for a packed cabin, Natalie and Savannah got a customized experience. Flight attendants addressed them by name, and they even had the rare opportunity to visit the cockpit.
“The crew made it feel extra special,” Natalie shared. “The pilot and attendants made personal announcements just for us, and we really felt like VIPs.”
Adding to the fun, the friends brought along cakes from Gourmandise Bakery, a Salt Lake City staple. They decided to sit in the second row, using the tray table to enjoy their treats while chatting freely without worrying about disturbing other passengers.
“We were laughing, talking about anything and everything,” Natalie said. “Normally, I try to be quiet on a flight, but this time, we had the freedom to just have fun.”
A Flight to Remember
Since their video gained traction online, Southwest Airlines has reached out to them. The friends even joked that Savannah and her fiancé might need another “private” flight for their upcoming wedding.
While their journey was short, Natalie and Savannah say they will never forget the unique experience.
“It was such a rare and amazing moment,” Natalie said. “I don’t know if I’ll ever have a flight like that again.”
ABC4.com has reached out to Southwest Airlines for more details on how often flights like this occur but has yet to receive a response .
