Age is just a number and for this Algerian woman literally. Rachida Smati, born 1923, is a 101-year old elderly whose passion for travel is sure to revive wanderlust in you. Rachida boarded an Emirates flight to Algiers recently, confirmed by Dubai’s flagship airline in a heartwarming video shared via X on Monday, July 1. To honour her love for travelling, Emirates upgraded her ticket, sending her straight to the first class lounge, thereby making the plane ride a bit more comfortable for her.

Rachida who stays alone in Algeria was visiting her family. Footage shows the elderly woman recalling her younger days and the first time she ever took a plane trip. “When I got married, I travelled a lot. My first plane trip was to Paris. I was staying alone in Algeria, so I came to visit my son-in-law in Dubai,” said the 101-year-old.

At 101 years old, Rachida knows how to make every journey unforgettable.

Join us in celebrating her energy for life and travel!  pic.twitter.com/3pghppY5mW — Emirates (@emirates) July 1, 2024

This was reportedly the Algerian native’s third visit to Dubai, a city she loves and adores. “I love everything about Dubai. I always go out for walks or appointments. I love the people in Dubai too. May god bless them," added Rachida.

Emirates did not only give her a first-class upgrade but also ensured the staff helped Rachida in making her travel formalities a fast-track affair. The Algerian woman asserted her experience in the first-class lounge was quite comfortable. “They took good care of me,” she said before sharing excitement over the upgrade. “I was surprised when they told me I got upgraded. I didn’t sleep the whole night,” Rachida noted with a smile on her face.

A barrage of internet users, moved by her story, have flooded the comment section of the video with happy reactions wishing Rachida well