A kind passenger has brought tears to flights attendants' eyes with a small token of their gratitude.
Over the past two and a half years since the pandemic began, cabin crew members are among the workers whose lives have been disrupted the most.
Many faced long periods of inaction for reduced or no pay, while others lost their jobs altogether as planes were grounded en-masse.
When airlines began flying again they had to deal with strict Covid restrictions and passengers who were sometimes ill-tempered due to the extra hoops they'd had to jump through.
One customer onboard a US flight recognised how difficult things had been and decided to spread a little love.
"Saying thank you for all you have done over the past extremely difficult, trying, and tiring two years to keep us safe, while putting your safety on the line just does not seem nearly sufficient," they wrote in a card handed to a flight attendant, alongside a Starbucks gift card.
"You allowed my family to stay connected from across the country. You have continued to show up day in and day out to help me/us feel comfortable with your smile, warmth, kindness, and compassion, during a time when there has been much to be anxious about especially while travelling.
"You have done this all while balancing your own physical and emotional health and that of your loved ones. So while just a little 'drop in the cup' of my overwhelming gratitude I hope that this little 'pick me up' puts a smile on your face.
"On the tough days, please remember that your efforts are more than appreciated, do not go unnoticed, and that your are cared about."
They added: "I truly cannot think of any other words to express my gratitude. My family and I wish you and your loved ones the very best in the months and years to come."
The overwhelmed flight attendant posted a copy of the note on Reddit and said that to overworked cabin crew the "small things do make a difference", even "a simple thanks goes a long distance."
"Notes and acts of kindness like this make my eyes so watery! I love this!" a fellow flight attendant said.
"This made me cry," another added.
While no one is accusing the gift card-giver of anything but pure kindness, others have deployed little treats in a bid to get extra service.
In a video shared on the social media platform TikTok, US flight attendant Kat Kalami told of how appreciated a Starbucks gift card could be.
"If you do this one simple thing on an aircraft I promise you, you will get the royal treatment from the flight attendant," she said.
“Being a flight attendant is exhausting.
“You're always in different time zones, waking up crazy hours and dealing with angry customers so I promise you the next time you fly if you want special treatment from the flight attendants this is all you have to do.”
According to Ms Kalami, the key to “special treatment” is by purchasing a £5 Starbucks gift card for your cabin crew.
She added: “It means the world to us when customers give us this."
