Phoenix Mom Has Baby On Plane; Gets 21 Years Of Free Flights

Christoph Penton wasn't due to arrive for another month. But, apparently, the little guy couldn't wait. Much to the surprise of his mom, he decided to make his debut about 30 minutes into a flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Dallas-Fort Worth.

Cristina Penton of Phoenix was on the plane after picking up her two kids from vacation. She was 36 weeks pregnant. She would later say that her husband had told her not to fly, that she was pushing it.

But she got on the plane.

She paid a little extra for a bigger seat so she would be comfortable. It wasn't enough.

It was about 30 minutes in, they were over the Gulf Of Mexico. (Subscribe to local news alerts on Patch).

She wasn't feeling well. She asked a stewardess for help.

"Everything started happening very quickly," said Penton. "I didn't think I was having the baby because it was too soon, but after a few minutes I knew I needed medical attention. The flight attendants contacted doctors on the ground and they advised the flight attendants to see if there were any medical personnel on board.

"As it turned out there was a pediatrician and a nurse. Soon after that, it was clear I was having my baby, and I was in pure panic."

The pilot pointed the plane to New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport.

An emergency crew would be waiting.

The baby, though, wasn't.

Christoph was born, weighing seven pounds. He was 19.5 inches tall.

And healthy. As is mom.

They were brought to Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner, Louisiana.

A representative of Spirit Airlines met them there to reimburse them for their flights and offer Christoph and a guest a free flight on Spirit every year on his birthday for 21 years.

Cristina says her husband - tongue in cheek - said he told her so.

Video courtesy Shelly Hedgecock Starks via Facebook

Photos courtesy Spirit Airlines