In "Station Eleven," the protagonist reflects on the nature of flight and its inherent beauty, questioning why he had not appreciated it despite his travels. The experience of flight is portrayed as improbable, almost surreal, emphasizing the wonder of leaving the ground and soaring into the sky. This moment of introspection reveals a deeper connection between the act of flying and the fleeting nature of life itself.

As the airplane fades into the distance, it symbolizes both a physical departure and a metaphorical one. The sound of engines diminishing until silence envelops the scene reinforces the idea that some experiences, like the beauty of flight, often go unrecognized amidst the chaos of everyday life. The protagonist's contemplation hints at a longing to capture and cherish those transient moments that draw us away from the mundane.