The story of Jack Marra, a five-year-old from Savannah, Georgia, is a testament to the power of human resilience and the transformative influence of a caring airline.
Jack's journey to reclaim his love for travel began with a harrowing flight experience that left him frightened and anxious about boarding an aircraft again. After a turbulent flight a year ago on a different airline, Jack developed an intense fear of flying, making vacations and visiting his family in Connecticut a challenge. Jack was overrun with anxiety each time the subject of air travel arose. Jack’s mother, Kylah Marra, was determined to help her son conquer his fear and make traveling an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Jack’s mother Kylah Marra shares, “My son has been on over 40 planes but about 10 flights ago, he had a terrible experience. Jack became terrified, he almost wouldn’t fly home because the flight was so bad. He cried and wouldn’t let go of me, and I had to hold him with my leg wrapped over him to make him feel safe. It’s terrible and breaks my heart.”
Enter Avelo Airlines, known for its caring Soul of Service. Jack’s mother began showing Jack Avelo’s social media channels. The airline's fun, friendly and travel-inspiring social media content caught Jack’s attention. After following Avelo for a couple weeks, Jack was begging his mom to fly again.
Kylah Marra said, “Jack began watching Avelo’s Instagram reels and stories, sparking his love for travel and flying again. Their dancing crew, the loving comfort dogs to soothe Customers, the Vegas show girls, all have made Jack so excited to fly on Avelo. I just want to thank Avelo for everything they’ve done and made the page a fun and upbeat space. Between the music, the team pulling the plane, perfect take offs with beautiful views, it has all just been amazing.”
Subsequently, they decided to give flying another try, this time with Avelo Airlines, in the hope that a different experience would change Jack's perspective. Monday evening, Nov. 20, Jack and his family boarded Avelo’s two-hour nonstop flight from Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) to Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family.
SAV and Avelo Airlines celebrated Jack’s return to flying by honoring him as a Junior Crewmember. Jack received an official Avelo Crewmember badge, learned how to scan tickets during boarding and helped the flight attendants with their onboard duties. He also had the chance to meet Avelo flight attendants and visit with pilots on the flightdeck of Avelo’s Next-Generation Boeing 737.
Jack was also greeted by Savannah Banana baseball star Jackson Olson, who joined as Jack as his celebrity guest aboard the flight to New Haven.
