Last week, an American Airlines flight attendant named Nina Vida sparked a social media frenzy by sharing a heartfelt moment from a recent flight. In a viral TikTok video, she revealed a handwritten note from none other than Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, who was a passenger on her commercial flight. The note, scribbled on a napkin, thanked the cabin crew for their warmth and hospitality, showcasing Meghan’s personal touch and her knack for connecting with people. This charming exchange has captivated fans and skeptics alike, shedding light on Meghan’s down-to-earth side despite her high-profile status. Let’s dive into this sweet story and explore what makes it so special.
A Surprise Note from the Duchess
Nina Vida, a New York-based American Airlines flight attendant, couldn’t contain her excitement when she posted the TikTok video on May 22, 2025. Dressed in her uniform, she gushed about serving Meghan, describing her as “so beautiful in person” and “so sweet.” The crew had slipped Meghan a note first, expressing their joy at having her onboard. Their message read, “It’s a pleasure serving you! Love you real bad,” signed by the “AA girlies.” To their delight, Meghan responded with her own note, penned in her signature cursive: “Dear AA girlies, thank you for the love, hospitality and handwritten note — you know me well. All love right back to you. As ever, Meghan.”
The exchange didn’t end there. Nina shared that Meghan complimented her manicure, a small gesture that carried extra weight after the flight’s captain had called her nails “intense.” Nina’s playful retort in the video—“Sir, it doesn’t matter what you think. The queen says she likes them”—added a lighthearted twist, endearing her to viewers. The video quickly racked up views, with fans urging Nina to frame the note as a keepsake.
Why Meghan’s Gesture Resonates
Meghan’s handwritten note isn’t just a kind gesture; it’s a reflection of her long-standing love for personal, handwritten communication. Before her days as a royal, she worked as a calligrapher, crafting wedding invitations and honing her elegant penmanship. She once wrote on her former blog, The Tig, that handwritten notes are a “lost art form” and that taking the time to write one is “really special.” This sentiment shines through in her note to the American Airlines crew, where she not only thanked them but also acknowledged their own note, creating a mutual exchange of appreciation.
The timing of this story adds intrigue. While Meghan and Prince Harry often travel by private jet, they’ve been spotted on commercial flights before, like Harry’s 2023 American Airlines trip to King Charles III’s coronation. Meghan’s recent flight, likely between New York and Los Angeles given her recent appearances and Nina’s base, shows a relatable side of the Duchess. It counters past criticism of the couple’s private jet use, especially after a $30,000 flight in February 2025 drew scrutiny for clashing with their environmental advocacy.
The Viral Impact and Public Reaction
The TikTok video’s virality highlights the public’s fascination with Meghan. Fans flooded the comments with praise, one writing, “That note!!! Laminate it, frame it, put it in a lock box at the bank!” Others were surprised to learn Meghan flew commercial, with one commenter noting, “She flies commercial? Wow, walking the walk she talks!” However, not everyone was charmed. Some skeptics suggested the note was a calculated move to boost Meghan’s image, pointing to her recent Instagram activity and the launch of her lifestyle brand, As Ever. One critic remarked, “You can’t take anything she does at face value,” echoing ongoing debates about her public persona.
Despite the mixed reactions, the story underscores Meghan’s ability to make personal connections. Her note to the American Airlines crew mirrors a similar gesture in March 2025, when she sent a handwritten letter to podcaster Amanda Hirsch, encouraging her not to fear backlash over Meghan’s Netflix show, With Love, Meghan. These acts of kindness keep her in the headlines, sparking both admiration and discussion.
What This Says About Meghan’s Brand
Meghan’s note subtly plugged her lifestyle brand, As Ever, with her sign-off, “As ever, Meghan.” Launched in 2025, the brand reflects her focus on personal, authentic touches—much like her calligraphy. The American Airlines flight attendant’s video aligns with this ethos, showing Meghan engaging with everyday people in a way that feels genuine. Whether intentional or not, the viral moment boosts her relatability, a key part of her post-royal narrative.
Nina’s TikTok also highlights the power of social media in amplifying small moments. With over 1,000 followers, she’s no stranger to sharing her “travel diaries,” having previously claimed to serve celebrities like Ariana Grande. Her encounter with Meghan, though, struck a chord, blending starstruck excitement with a story of mutual kindness. It’s a reminder that even small gestures can ripple widely in the digital age.
A Touch of Royal Charm at 30,000 Feet
This heartwarming exchange between Meghan and the American Airlines crew reminds us why she remains a polarizing yet captivating figure. Her ability to turn a routine flight into a memorable moment speaks to her charisma and attention to detail. For Nina and her colleagues, the note is a keepsake of a brush with royalty. For Meghan, it’s another chapter in her story of connecting with people, one handwritten note at a time.
Have you ever had a memorable encounter with a celebrity or received a special note? Share your story in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going about kindness at 30,000 feet!