Air travel can be a bit of a circus sometimes, can’t it? With all the crazy antics that unfold at 30 000 feet, it’s no wonder some of these incidents end up going viral.
We’ve seen it all in recent years, from a mid-flight tantrum where a passenger claimed to be “the reincarnation of a celebrity,” causing chaos and an emergency landing, to a group of friends turning the aisle into their dance floor, much to the dismay of flight attendants.
But beyond the chaos, many have their quirky pre-flight rituals to keep nerves at bay, whether that’s popping a calming pill, diving into a good book, or even applying holy oil.
Here's where TikTok user Desiree Salter, who recently shared her pre-boarding ritual in a short clip that has since gone viral with over 5.7 million views in just a few days, comes in.
In her video, Salter holds up a small bottle, which she described to "PEOPLE" as “holy oil” or “blessed oil”.
With a deft tilt, she pours a bit onto her finger and draws a cross on both sides of the aircraft cabin door before stepping inside.
Holy oil is often anointed oil used in various religious practices, typically made from olive oil infused with herbs and blessed by a priest or spiritual leader.
It’s commonly associated with Christianity, where it’s believed to possess protective qualities and serve as a means of invoking divine presence. In many cultures, the act of anointing with oil signifies a blessing, healing, or sanctification.
Salter’s ritual is a personal practice that reflects her faith and desire for a safe journey. Many individuals turn to similar practices, seeking comfort and a sense of control over the unpredictable nature of air travel.
After completing her holy oil ritual, Salter confidently looks back at the camera, tapping the bottle with a cheerful, “In Jesus's name we pray… AMEN!!”
The internet has a way of magnifying the unusual, and this viral moment is no exception.
While some might scoff at the idea of drawing crosses on planes, for Salter, and countless others, these rituals bring a sense of peace and reassurance in an otherwise hectic world.
@desireesalter In Jesus name we pray… AMEN!! 🙏🏽 #JetBlue #airlines #flights #noweapon #thedevilisaliar #pastorkid #church #Prayer #churchtiktok #PuntaCana #blessed #covered ♬ original sound - Dontay Pitt
One user wrote: "Why is everyone hating? I’m in love with this idea she protected the whole plain AMEN 🙏"
Another user added: "I thought I was the only one who does this. It's called Traveling Mercy 🙏"
A user who felt differently wrote: "This is stupid just bc (because) you rubbed some oil on a plane doesn’t mean you gonna have a good flight just doing it in your heart is enough, this is just doing it for social media."