For many, flying is a pleasant experience associated with exciting vacations, but not everyone feels the same way.

Sheila Frederick, 49, has worked as a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines for over 15 years. She’s encountered all sorts of complicated passenger situations, but nothing could have prepared her for what she witnessed on a flight from Seattle to San Francisco, something that would change lives forever.

During the flight, Sheila noticed something unusual – a blonde girl in shabby clothes sitting next to an elderly man dressed impeccably. While passing them, Sheila caught the girl’s intense glance, a look that conveyed a desperate need for help.

“I had a really odd impression of this girl. I sensed there was a problem. The fact that the girl was so poorly dressed compared to the man was the first indication,” Sheila recalled. That stark difference raised her suspicions.

Determined to investigate, Sheila approached them. The man became defensive, while the girl remained silent.

“At first, I sensed something was off. He was much older than the girl, and he reacted violently to any nearby movement. I’m grateful I could intervene quickly and possibly save a life,” Sheila explained.

Sheila then devised a new plan to check on the girl’s well-being. After the girl visited the restroom, Sheila checked the note she left behind: “I need help.”

Without hesitation, Sheila notified the authorities. By the time the plane landed, police were ready to apprehend the man.

It was discovered that the 14-year-old girl was a victim of human trafficking, kidnapped just two months earlier.

Nancy Rivard, a retired flight attendant, started Airline Ambassadors International, an organization that trains airline staff to recognize signs of human trafficking.

After this incident, Sheila received training from the organization to better perceive such signs in the future.