A Flight Attendant’s Personal Story to Help Teach Bravery

As we celebrate International Flight Attendant Day, Endeavor flight attendant Darniqua Bowen takes pride in providing safety and comfort in the sky — and in her storytelling.

A published author, Darniqua hopes her newest children’s book, Flying Solo: Raelee’s First Flight, will empower young flyers on unaccompanied flights.

“During my flights, I’ve seen how children experience all kinds of emotions when traveling alone,” said Darniqua, who joined Endeavor as a flight attendant in 2021. “Flying Solo is about taking big steps, even when they feel frightened. The story teaches kids they can overcome these big moments and are supported by those around them.”

Following the journey of a young girl named Raelee, the story is one of bravery and strength, a theme that is deeply personal to Darniqua. She hopes that by reading Raelee’s story, children can embrace new confidence.

“I know what it feels like to face something new and intimidating, and I want children to see that fear doesn’t have to stop them,” Darniqua said. “If one child reads one of my stories and feels braver because of it, then I’ve accomplished what I’ve set out to do.”

Flying Solo is a continuation of Raelee’s childhood journey of facing scary moments. Raelee came to life in Darniqua’s first children’s book, A Scar of Bravery – a story mirrored after her own experience of needing appendix surgery as a young child.

“I’m Raelee in the books,” Darniqua said. “Raelee’s name is created by combining my middle name, Sha’Rae, with my nana’s middle name, Lee. I wanted to honor her since she played a huge role in raising me and shaping who I am. The flight Raelee takes in Flying Solo is based on my summer flights to New York City as an unaccompanied minor.”

The ATL-based flight attendant frequently uses her family and friends as characters in her stories to reflect her experiences and add personal touches. Through this authenticity, she hopes to have a better connection with the children that read her books and highlight the people that have had an impact on her.

“The kind flight attendant in Flying Solo is [based on] my best friend who also works at Endeavor,” Darniqua continued. “She reflects the real-life crew members who go above and beyond to make the young passengers feel safe and welcome.”

The warm and welcoming service that Darniqua and her best friend give passengers on Endeavor flights is a type of service that Darniqua received when she was a child.

“I still remember how kind and reassuring the flight attendants were on my unaccompanied flights,” Darniqua said. “They made me feel safe, seen, and special. I truly enjoy connecting with others, making them feel at ease, and spreading kindness wherever I go. My love of helping people and providing service combined with my own childhood experience has helped me live out a purposeful career.”

Flying Solo: Raelee’s First Flight will soar to Darniqua’s website (darniquabowen.com) on May 31 – her way to honor and celebrate International Flight Attendant Day.