Losing a toy is never a pleasant feeling, especially if you’re a 2-year-old and the toy is a big talking Buzz Lightyear action figure, which, face it, anyone would cry (at the very least) if they had lost it because Buzz is awesome.
Well, the two may have been separated, but it wasn’t long until Buzz returned, and it wasn’t just any return, but a return from an adventure of his own, as evident by the contents found in the package that he returned in.
More Info: Southwest Airlines' Facebook
It's always chaotic to travel with kids, as they may end up losing a toy or two
Image credits: Southwest Airlines
Meet Hagen, a two-year-old boy who was recently traveling with his family to a funeral in Dallas with his amazing Buzz Lightyear toy. As you might have guessed, traveling with kids is always hectic, and the family had other things on their mind, so the tiny toy was, unfortunately, left behind.
"When we landed, I thought I had gathered all our belongings and we headed to the rental car," explained Ashley Davis, mother of 2-year-old Hagen, in an interview with Bored Panda. "It was until we were in the rental Hagen started frantically asking for his Buzz and I quickly realized that we did not have Buzz and he was still on the plane."
When the family understood this, it was a tad bit too late to turn around their rented car heading for the family gathering as the plane had already departed for Little Rock, Arkansas.
Well, 2 Y.O. Hagen did end up losing his Buzz Lightyear toy, but a good Samaritan made sure they're reunited
Image credits: Southwest Airlines
Well, LIT Ramp Agent Jason noticed Buzz all alone in the plane and his first idea was that he was probably here on a mission—and a mission did actually happen. Together with another colleague, Beth, the two found out whose Buzz this was—there was a name on the foot and airlines register contact information, so it wasn’t too hard—and they took Buzz on an adventure.
"Jason and Beth were able to locate us because of the name printed on the bottom of Buzz’s boot, 'Hagen', only one passenger had flown on the plane with his name. That allowed them to locate our email from our reservations and then they posted the phenomenal pictures that Jason had taken with Buzz on his personal Facebook. My address was given to Jason and he let me know he’d be mailing him back to us from Arkansas."
One Southwest employee not only returned his toy, but also made sure Buzz explains himself in detail
Image credits: Southwest Airlines
Hagen got the package some days later. And it wasn't just any package—besides just containing Buzz himself, it included printed pictures of his adventures and a letter from him explaining his "mission". The “custom-made” box was decorated with various Buzz Lightyear slogans and a drawing of him.
Turns out, Buzz explored the air- and space port in Little Rock. He was checking out the plane, its turbines, and he was even in the cockpit, despite being able to fly himself!
A video of him unpacking it together with his mom Ashley was posted on Facebook. Needless to say, the kid was thrilled to be reunited with his cool buddy.
The return package included the above letter as well as photos of Buzz's mission exploring the Little Rock Airport
Image credits: Southwest Airlines
Image credits: Southwest Airlines
"When I got the box, I had no idea that it would be decorated with illustrations or that the adorable letter and pictures were going to be included," elaborated Ashley. "He took his own time to make sure my son got his prized toy back and went above and beyond for him. As a mother, to see someone go those lengths for my son is incredible and a memory to cherish forever."
“There’s definitely not enough good in this world, and for someone to take the time out of their day to do that for strangers means the world to us,” said Ashley.
Now, huge props go out to Jason, who honestly only needed to just return the toy, but no, he went To Infinity And Beyond and made sure there was an entire story attached to it of how Buzz was having an adventure, made sure the photos were printed out and the parcel was decorated. And this is all on top of the fact that Hagen got reunited with Buzz—truly a kid’s dream come true.
The package itself was also decorated with slogans and a drawing of buzz himself
Image credits: Southwest Airlines
Image credits: Southwest Airlines
And that’s what the internet thought too. Many expressed how awesome this feel-good story was, praising the airlines and Jason. The post received over 145,000 reactions on Facebook with nearly 100,000 shares and over 11,000 comments.
"I have been absolutely shocked at how much this story is being shared," said Ashley. "I never guessed it would make it to the lengths it has. I’m not surprised though because it is a feel-good story and reminds you there is still human kindness out there. That people are still doing good for strangers and just put a huge smile on your face when you read or hear about the story."
Here's Hagen with Buzz Lightyear in Buzz Lightyear attire
Image credits: Southwest Airlines
Image credits: Ashley Davis
Hagen had just recently celebrated his second birthday and the family is now expecting a baby sister. "Hagen's new little sister will keep the toy story gang growing and has already had Bo Peep bough for her, and her name will be stamped on her shoe too!" said Ashley.
She continued: "This story really speaks to the culture of Southwest Airlines and the employees that work for them. It is the epitome of what they stand for. A huge thank you to Jason, Beth (reservation agent that located our email), and Southwest Airlines for getting our son's favorite buddy back to him."
Here's a video of Hagen unpacking Buzz from his temporary mail home
What are your thoughts on this? Do you have any feel-good stories to share from your airplane rides? Let us know in the comment section below!
Here's how people reacted to this feel-good story
