In an extraordinary twist of fate, a mother and daughter embarked on an unforgettable journey when they discovered they were the sole passengers in the economy-class cabin on an Emirates flight from the Seychelles to Switzerland. Zoe Doyle, 25, and her 59-year-old mother, Kimmy Chedel, had set out on December 25, 2023, to celebrate Christmas with family. Little did they know that they were in for a “complete surprise” that would turn their holiday travel into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Zoe captured the surreal moment in a TikTok video that has since gone viral, amassing over a million views. The video showcases an empty economy-class cabin, with the caption, “Merry Christmas from the only ladies flying Emirates today.” In the footage, Kimmy playfully attempts to wear the headgear worn by Emirates cabin staff, while Zoe dances through the clean corridors, even creating “snow angels” on the aircraft floor. The video is set to the festive tune of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
In an interview with Stuff, Zoe revealed that the revelation of being the sole passengers was a “complete surprise” for them. Although there were four others in first class, they were kept separate, essentially making Zoe and Kimmy the exclusive occupants of the economy cabin. The unusual situation was attributed to a combination of monsoon season in the Seychelles and Christmas Day, resulting in minimal passenger traffic.
Despite being the only passengers, Zoe and Kimmy were not permitted to travel in first class but were treated to a personalized tour of the aircraft. Zoe shared, “It was so much fun. We were chatting with the flight attendants and filming funny videos with them. They even got a Polaroid camera out and dressed my Mum up in the cabin crew uniform. It was great.”
This rare experience is reminiscent of a similar incident in April 2023 when a UK man traveling to Portugal from Northern Ireland discovered he was the sole passenger on his flight. Referred to as a “VIP guest,” he got to choose his seat, interact with the captain, and enjoy the flight as if on a private jet. The man humorously asked for a refund on his seat, and the memorable journey was documented with photographs.
While such occurrences are infrequent, they highlight the unpredictable nature of air travel and the potential for passengers to find themselves in unique and unexpected situations. The stories of Zoe and Kimmy, along with the UK man in April, add a touch of whimsy to the often routine and predictable experience of flying.
As Zoe and Kimmy continued their journey, their exclusive flight became a heartwarming Christmas tale, demonstrating that sometimes, the most remarkable adventures occur when least expected. The video shared on TikTok not only captured a special moment for the mother-daughter duo but also spread joy and inspiration, resonating with viewers worldwide.
In the ever-evolving landscape of air travel, where crowded flights and bustling airports are the norm, stories like these serve as delightful reminders that serendipity can turn an ordinary journey into an extraordinary memory. The magic of being the only passengers on an Emirates flight added an enchanting chapter to Zoe and Kimmy’s holiday travel, leaving them with a Christmas tale to cherish for years to come.
