Get All Access for $5/mo

'Literally Our Dream Scenario': Man Stuns Internet After Being the Only Passenger on a Flight Phil Stinger was trying to fly home to Charlotte, North Carolina, from Oklahoma when the ordeal began.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The luxury of flying private and having an entire plane to yourself, with no lines and no disgruntled strangers, may seem like a pipe dream for most.

But one man is now going viral for accidentally getting the private plane experience after his flight was delayed so many times that nobody else stuck around.

In a video that's been viewed over 32.1 million times, passenger Phil Stinger tells viewers that his flight was delayed 18 hours and that "everyone else gave up."

Stinger was on an American Airlines flight leaving Oklahoma City, destined for Charlotte, North Carolina.

Related: Delta Flight Attendant Goes Viral Helping Nervous Passenger

The flight was originally supposed to depart at 6:20 a.m. but didn't take off until just after 12 a.m. the next day.

@phil.stringer 18-hour delay turned this flight into a private party! ✈️? Watch how the amazing crew and I made the most of it! #americanairlines #flightattendant #airplanetiktok #privateparty #FlightFun #delayedflight #fyp #viral ♬ Makeba - Jain

He spent his time happily joking around with flight crew members (who he said were pulled from their hotel to help service him on the flight).

Stinger shows the flight attendants going through the full boarding process and safety demonstrations — on a completely empty plane.

Viewers were loving the content and how the crew, and Stinger, seemed to be in good spirits.

"This was probably the highlight of their week. Getting paid to just take care of one person? Sign me up lol," one user wrote.

Related: Flight Attendant's Intercom Rant about Extra Fees Goes Viral

"This makes me smile!! They still flew for you," another said.

Other flight attendants in the comment section were praising Stinger's crew and confirming that this is, in fact, the dream.

"I was a flight attendant for 10 years, and this happened to me one time. Our passenger's name was Ben and I will never forget it!! Such a blast!

"Flight attendant here - this is literally our dream scenario, esp for a delayed flight. So glad you had a nice time," another heartwarmingly added.

Stinger safely arrived in Charlotte just after 3 a.m. the next day.

American Airlines did not immediately respond to Entrepreneur's request for comment.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Growing a Business

5 Effective Strategies to Boost Your Business's Online Presence

Boosting your online presence in 2025 is the key to success for businesses looking to grow. Working on your branding and reputation management is important to drive more sales and improve conversion.