By Kevin Tuerff, Founder/President, Pay It Forward 9/11
Airports are more than transit hubs—they’re places of anticipation, stress, and emotion. In such high-pressure environments, even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
Inspired by the compassion shown to stranded passengers in Newfoundland on September 11, 2001, I founded Pay It Forward 9/11.
After experiencing the selfless hospitality in Gander, I was moved to create a movement to spread kindness—especially in stressful settings like airports. You may have seen my travel anxiety story as “Kevin T” in the hit Broadway musical Come From Away.
Recently, I shared this mission with airport industry leaders at the ACI-NA/AAAE Airport Customer Experience Symposium. The response was enthusiastic, with plans now in motion to pilot “11 Days of Kindness” campaigns at Kansas City International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport in 2025. In busy terminals, our volunteers will encourage passengers and airport staff to perform simple acts of kindness—sharing smiles, helping with luggage, or offering kind words.
All airports are invited to join us this year as we work together to find an appropriate remembrance and service effort to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 next year.
Airport workers, the unsung heroes of travel, often go unrecognized. A simple thank you or smile can make their day and boost morale. Travelers, too, carry unseen burdens. Offering support fosters connection and reminds us we’re not alone.
Kindness is contagious. By encouraging people to honor those lost on 9/11 through positive actions, we aim to make airports a launching point for empathy and generosity. Whether at 30,000 feet or Gate B27, kindness can bring us together.
Let kindness be your carry-on. To learn more, email kevin@payitforward911.org or visit payitforward911.org.
DISCLAIMER
This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.