A party atmosphere greeted those arriving in New York from Britain yesterday - with the Daily Mirror among the very first passengers to step through the doors.
But the colourful balloons and cheers could not disguise the seriousness of what had come before during 19 long months of separation for so many families.
For during that time there have been missed birthdays, Christmas get-togethers, weddings and, sadly, funerals.
Hours early, and on board BA’s flight, there was a chorus of applause as it, and Virgin Atlantic’s jet took to the skies together in a first for two commercial services.
You could also hear the palpable sigh of relief from the airline bigwigs present that this moment had arrived, and with it their hope will make a fightback from what has driven other competitors to the wall.
It is also important for those businesses that can finally meet others face-to-face.
And it is a big day for tourism chiefs in the Big Apple banking on a return of the big spending British shoppers.
But yesterday was never really about the firms involved, it was about the individuals on board - and those who have rushed to book flights - counting down the hours, the day the weeks until they can embrace precious loved ones again.
Any video call will never, ever, make up for the emotions witnessed at JFK’s arrivals hall yesterday, when 19 months or more of pent-up sadness, frustration and finally relief came pouring out.
