Online Appeal Spurs Relay of Kindness for Elderly Flyer

An elderly woman who cannot read and speaks little Mandarin arrived safely in Dalian after a cross-country flight, thanks to a chain of strangers who responded to an online plea for help.

The woman, nearly 70, flew alone on the evening of February 28 from Xi'an in Shaanxi Province to Dalian in Liaoning Province, according to People's Daily. Family members were waiting at her destination, but none could accompany her on the journey. Worried she might struggle to navigate the airport or communicate if problems arose, her son-in-law, Zhao Chen, turned to social media for assistance.

"If anyone happens to be on this flight and sees her, please lend a hand," Zhao wrote, posting her flight details and taping the same information to her suitcase to help fellow passengers identify her.

Within two hours, the message had been viewed more than a million times. Several passengers on the same flight soon reached out, offering to help.

Among them was Lei Yuming, a 21-year-old university student traveling from Xining, Qinghai Province, to Dalian. While transferring in Xi'an, Lei saw Zhao's post and decided to step in.

During the flight, the elderly woman became airsick and vomited. Lei, together with flight attendants, stayed by her side, helping her clean up and ensuring she was comfortable for the rest of the journey.

Late that night, with assistance from fellow passengers and airport staff, the woman landed safely. Lei accompanied her to collect her luggage and personally handed her over to waiting relatives.

The family offered to pay for Lei's transportation to his university, but he declined, calling it "just a small favor."

The story quickly spread online, prompting an outpouring of emotional responses. Zhao said he found himself in tears while reading the comments.

"Thank you for helping my mother," he wrote. "Next time, I will help your parents."

For Zhao, that promise carries personal meaning. In 2014, his mother became lost while taking a bus in Xi'an and was helped by a university student. The experience inspired him to launch a grassroots initiative known as the "Mutual Help Parent Pact," encouraging volunteers to look out for elderly travelers away from home.

What began as a simple A4 sheet pinned to a backpack has since evolved into bright red "Pat Cards" clipped to volunteers' bags. Printed with the words, "If you need help, just pat me."

Over the years, thousands across China have joined the informal network. Following this latest story, many netizens expressed their desire to take part.

"This is what the Internet was meant for," one commenter wrote.