Home / War and Conflict / Betty Ong: The Unsung Hero of 9/11
Betty Ong: The Unsung Hero of 9/11
11 Sep
Summary
- Flight attendant Betty Ong alerted authorities about hijacking for 23 minutes.
- Her call helped identify terrorists and alerted other airlines.
- Ong's actions led to a national order for all planes to land.
Betty Ong, a flight attendant aboard American Airlines Flight 11 on September 11, 2001, became an unlikely hero. She was not scheduled to work that flight but picked up an extra shift to save money for a trip. Shortly after hijackers took control of the plane, Ong initiated a 23-minute call to American Airlines.
During her call, Ong provided critical information, stating, "I think we're getting hijacked." She relayed details about the terrorists' seating and the chaos onboard, including injuries and inability to breathe due to Mace. This information proved invaluable for identifying the hijackers and confirming the unfolding crisis.
The intelligence from Ong's call enabled Air Traffic Control to alert other airlines and initiate unprecedented measures. Responding to the confirmed hijacking, air traffic controllers ordered all planes across the United States to land, a historic first. This decisive action, directly influenced by Ong's report, is credited with preventing further loss of life.
Ong's family, including her brother Harry, continue to honor her memory. They donated personal items, including her uniform, to the 9/11 Memorial Museum. The Betty Ann Ong Foundation was established to promote positive lifestyle changes for youth and seniors, perpetuating her legacy of care and service.
