Sky High Adventures with a Dynamic Duo: Grandmother and Granddaughter Soar as Flight Attendants

Flight attendant Cynthia Heck concluded the safety demonstration and proceeded to personally engage with passengers, ensuring their readiness for departure. Taking a brief pause, she warmly greeted and acknowledged each traveler individually. Hannah Heck, a fellow flight attendant, observed this heartfelt interaction with admiration. In a spontaneous gesture, Hannah made an announcement through the aircraft's speaker system.

"Do you all notice this adorable lady wearing the life jacket? That's my grandmother. Therefore, I expect everyone to treat her exceptionally well," she stated.

The passengers burst into laughter, some offering applause. Numerous individuals gazed at Cynthia with skepticism, finding it challenging to fathom that she could have a grown-up granddaughter.

After a few minutes, Hannah proceeded with her safety compliance checks while Cynthia seized the moment to mischievously retaliate.

"Ladies and gentlemen, time to inquire about Hannah's laundry assistant from last night," Cynthia playfully announced through the loudspeaker.

The second announcement received an even more significant response and assured the passengers that these two individuals were unequivocally connected.

"Everyone is laughing," Hannah informs CNN Travel today. "She mirrored my energy perfectly."

Working together

Cynthia was present at Hannahs graduation and pinned on her granddaughters wings.

Hannah Heck and Cynthia Heck

72-year-old Cynthia has devoted nearly two decades of her life as a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines. After feeling unsatisfied with her college experience, her 24-year-old granddaughter Hannah chose to emulate Cynthia's career path.

The fond memory of 19-year-old Hannah reaching out to Cynthia to express her decision of dropping out of college and pursuing aviation remains vivid. The strong bond between the two has always persevered, with Cynthia providing unwavering support while Hannah feels perpetually understood by her cherished grandmother.

After completing my high school education, I found myself uncertain about my future plans. However, the idea of exploring new places like my grandma intrigued me. Consequently, I decided to pursue a career in travel.

Shortly after, Hannah secured employment at Mesa, a regional US airline. Following a few years of experience, she took the initiative to apply to Southwest.

Hannah's acceptance notice filled her with immense joy, a feeling that Cynthia shared wholeheartedly. While the Heck family lacked any other members working in aviation, they all found great satisfaction in Hannah's decision to follow in her grandmother's footsteps.

Coinciding with this new chapter, Hannah relocated to her grandparents' residence, allowing both her and Cynthia to operate from the same base: Harry Reid Las Vegas Airport.

"I was filled with immense excitement," Hannah reminisces. "With a heartfelt wish that we could soar through the skies side by side."

In 2022, Cynthia attended Hannah's graduation ceremony as a flight attendant, proudly attaching her granddaughter's wings.

Unbeknownst to Hannah, Cynthia was secretly scheming to ensure that she would be present on her granddaughter's inaugural Southwest flight. "I hadn't planned on revealing my plan," Cynthia reminisces. "However, she stumbled upon it two or three days prior."

"I saw it. And so I was just overwhelmed with happiness that she was able to pick it up," says Hannah.

Working together for the first time was surreal and exciting for Hannah and Cynthia.

Hannah recalls her disbelief as she glanced at the back and saw Cynthia standing there, either making announcements or serving drinks alongside her. The fact that they were working together was incredible to her. They shared laughter and had a wonderful time, making it even more memorable for Hannah as Cynthia was there by her side for her first flight. Despite typically avoiding long, multi-leg trips due to her seniority, Cynthia made an exception this time for Hannah.

"I informed her that her grandma no longer commutes. I, on the other hand, had to commute to Oakland for work during that trip. It involved five separate trips to and from California. I clearly expressed that I do not engage in such extensive travel within California," Cynthia reminisces. "Additionally, there was a brief overnight stay in Hawaii, which I typically do not participate in. However, I am making an exception for you."

A child posed alongside their father, who is a pilot, inside an airplane. Nearly three decades later, they decided to recreate the same photo."

Learning from each other

Hannah and Cynthia have always been close.

Hannah Heck and Cynthia Heck

Cynthia took to the skies in the early 2000s when she and her husband moved from the midwest to Las Vegas. Initially working on the ground, she transitioned to an inflight position after three years with Southwest Airlines.

Unlike Cynthia, who had previous jobs and devoted years to raising her children, Hannah's only perception of her grandmother was as a globetrotting flight attendant.

"Ever since I was a child, I've only known her as someone who flies," Hannah recollects.

She adored listening to her grandmother's tales about her occupation and cherishes the vivid recollections of joining her on flights during their summer holidays.

"I've always cherished the opportunity to go flying with her and visit her in Vegas," Hannah expresses. "I was truly amazed by her. It left me in awe to witness her jet-setting lifestyle for work."

During Hannah's second-grade years, she extended an invitation to Cynthia, urging her to share her experiences with their school community.

"She wore her Southwest uniform and sang a song. I was so proud to have her there. Everyone in my class was in awe of my flight attendant grandmother," says Hannah.

Hannah grew up watching her grandmother traveling the world.

Hannah Heck and Cynthia Heck

Despite Hannah's perception of Cynthia's job as glamorous and exciting, she couldn't ignore the challenging aspects of being a flight attendant. Cynthia frequently had to work during holidays, missing out on family Christmas gatherings. It was evident that the role demanded both hard work and provided a sense of fulfillment.

Hannah was thankful for the knowledge she gained when she eventually began flying, following in her grandmother's footsteps. Cynthia was likewise eager to pass on her wisdom to her granddaughter.

"I constantly remind Hannah that flying is a regular occurrence for us. Therefore, everything seems straightforward and effortless. However, these passengers often fly only once a year," Cynthia explains. "That's why it's important to be mindful of this and offer assistance. We must guide them and show compassion when they have questions."

Hannah admires Cynthia's ability to bring empathy into every aspect of her life, which has always been a source of inspiration for her.

"One thing she has taught me is her remarkable compassion and willingness to assist others. I witness this both during our work and in our personal lives. She truly possesses a kind and caring heart," Hannah expresses.

Two strangers shared a hotel room. They became best friends for life

Special relationship

Cynthia enjoys passing on her wisdom to Hannah.

Hannah Heck and Cynthia Heck collaborated multiple times in 2022. On their second flight together, they playfully made inflight announcements about each other, and they quickly realized that revealing their relation to travelers elicited a response.

One passenger presented them with a Starbucks gift card, while another passenger informed Cynthia that she had come across their story on Southwest Airlines' social media platforms, which left her tearfully touched. Numerous individuals shared their own experiences of not being able to spend time with their grandparents as adults, making Cynthia and Hannah's reunion deeply poignant and melancholic for them.

Hannah has recently moved to Houston, Texas, and now she tends to fly with Cynthia more often. However, she frequently visits her grandmother in Las Vegas. During the interview with CNN Travel via Zoom, Hannah and Cynthia are seated together in Cynthias living room, discussing their plans to catch a flight together the next day.

In addition to their shared passion for travel and flying, the two women also have a deep love for sewing and cooking. Cynthia imparted these skills to Hannah when she was young. They greatly enjoy conversing and exchanging anecdotes with one another.

"It's an incredibly unique bond we share. We've always had a strong connection. And now, as we embark on this shared journey, I feel our bond has grown even stronger," states Hannah.

Hannah acknowledges Cynthia for not just motivating her to pursue a career in aviation but also for being a constant source of support during her upbringing. As Hannah's parents went through a divorce at a young age, Cynthia took on the role of being the flexible figure who would take her to gymnastics or dance classes," Cynthia explains.

"She instilled in me a sense of reassurance, assuring me that everything would be all right, simply by being there," states Hannah. "My current position would be unthinkable without her unwavering support throughout my entire life."

Our bond is truly extraordinary, characterized by an enduring closeness. As we continue our journey together, I believe we have grown even closer."

Hannah Heck is just starting her journey as a flight attendant and is excited about the upcoming travels and adventures. On the other hand, Cynthia acknowledges that she is reaching the end of her career. However, due to her passion for work, she is hesitant to retire.

She says, "The job becomes addictive, making it difficult for me to quit, I believe."

Hannah aspires to be a part of her grandmother's last flight when Cynthia eventually retires, and she desires her father, brother, and grandfather to join them as well.

"That will be extraordinary," Hannah exclaimed. "However, I prefer not to dwell on it. In my mind, she will always remain airborne."

"They believe I'll be here indefinitely. Despite my repeated insistence that I won't be," Cynthia asserted.

Hannah and Cynthia are currently prioritizing their time together and living in the present moment.

"I understand that not everyone gets to have this kind of experience. I also recognize that Cynthia won't be able to fly forever. Therefore, I feel immense gratitude and love for this unique opportunity. It brings me happiness and appreciation, knowing how special it is that we had the chance to fly together," Hannah expresses.

"Just appreciate your family, appreciate your grandparents, tell them that you love them. And thank them for everything that they have done for you. Because nothing is forever."