United Airlines Captain's Emotional Speech Before Final Flight Is a Tear-Jerker
They say that if you work in a career you love, you'll never work a day in your life. Anyone who's actually done this knows that this isn't true, per se, but to devote your career to something you're truly passionate about is a pleasure and a privilege that not everyone gets to enjoy. Even when you've finally reached a well-earned retirement, hanging up the mantle and stepping away from that work can be intensely bittersweet.
Captain Mark Hardcastle crossed this emotional milestone recently when he retired this month after more than three decades working as a United Airlines pilot. Though he was ready to embrace his retirement, his final flight with United was a poignant one, and the sentimental speech he gave just before boarding was a true tearjerker.
32 years... incredible. Captain Hardcastle has flown the friendly skies for @united since the early '90s. So much has happened over the course of those 32 years, and Captain Hardcastle flew through it all. But at long last, it was time to say goodbye, and Hardcastle's family was there to support him on his final flight with United Airlines, weeping with pride as he bade his high-flying career a fond farewell.
"It's been a great ride, and I'm really thankful for one thing in particular. My family is here, and they have been so kind and so gracious and so loving for 32 years to allow me to do this," Hardcastle praised them, voice thick with emotion. "I'm gonna do everything I can to make this the best flight you've ever had at United Airlines."
Though Hardcastle was finally hanging up his hat after a memorable run as a United pilot, he entered into his retirement with no regrets.
'I've seen a lot of really cool things," Hardcastle reminisced. "I've seen the aurora borealis in all its glory, stood on both sides of the International Date Line. These are things my career has taken me to, and I'm so grateful for that opportunity. ...I feel like I've done what I came here to do. I'm ready to leave it to some other folks."
A Model Example of Piloting Excellence
Few captains could have served as a better brand ambassador for United than Mark Hardcasle. According to a blog post from Live and Let's Fly celebrating his retirement, Hardcastle was "a staple in Denver, well-loved by both fellow employees and passengers."
Hardcastle made an incredible impression on his passengers. In late 2020, keynote speaker Brad Montgomery wrote about his experience flying out of Denver with Hardcastle, a flight made memorable by the captain's charisma and professionalism. Their flight was delayed due to inclement weather, and Montgomery was touched when Hardcastle apologized to his passengers at the gate, reassured them that they were flying a safe route with a seasoned crew, genuinely thanked them for flying with United Airlines, and then came out to greet several of his passengers. Such humility and grace struck Montgomery deeply.
"I was blown away," Montgomery reminisced. "He was just so authentic and honest. He made me feel comfortable and made me actually feel good about the delay. He was the kind of guy you just want to be at the controls of a jumbo jet."
Montgomery and Hardcastle connected that day, eventually leading to a YouTube interview between the two of them. Montgomery also discovered that Hardcastle was himself a keynote speaker on the side, which, looking back on his impassioned speech, makes perfect sense. He has an incredible presence!
And this is just one story out of the man's 32-year career. Who knows how many other hundreds, if not thousands, of passengers Hardcastle personally affected during that time? While Hardcastle has more than earned his happy retirement, it's bittersweet to know that one of the best in the biz is finally bowing out.
For more WanderWisdom updates, be sure to follow us on Google News!
Have you had a funny, interesting, or just highly memorable experience while traveling? We'd love for you to submit a video of your travels for a chance to be featured on WanderWisdom and our social channels! Click here to upload your clip and share your adventures with the world.
