Emma and Liam Carter were 28 and 30 years old, living in Perth, Australia, literally the most isolated major city in the world. When Taylor Swift announced the Aerys tour, Australia wasn’t on the schedule. Not a single show. The closest show was Los Angeles, USA, 9,000 mi away. Emma had been a Swifty for 15 years. This was her dream.

Liam said, “Let’s do it. Let’s fly to LA. They bought tickets for the September 5th, 2024 show at Sofi Stadium. Roundtrip flights $3,200 per person. Hotel $800. Total cost $7500 for one concert. They booked the trip, but everything went wrong. First flight delayed 6 hours. Missed connection in Singapore.

 Rebooked on different airline. Lost luggage. Arrived Los Angeles exhausted. Hotel reservation cancelled. Booking error. Found different hotel at 2:00 a.m. Day of concert. Stuck in traffic for 3 hours. Arrived at Sofi Stadium 5 minutes before Taylor took the stage. Breathless, sweaty, still wearing travel clothes, holding an Australian flag they’d packed.

 During Shake It Off, Taylor saw the Australian flag, stopped, squinted. “Wait, did you fly from Australia for this?” Security brought them on stage. Taylor asked about their journey. Emma explained, “47 hours of travel, three layovers, lost luggage, canceled hotel. We got here 5 minutes ago.” Taylor’s jaw dropped. You’re insane. I love you.

 This is the most dedicated thing I’ve ever seen. Gave them VIP upgrade for rest of show. Viral 380 million views. People calling them most dedicated swifties ever. Emma Carter had been a Swifty since she was 13 years old. It was 2009. She was in 8th grade in Perth, Australia, and Taylor Swift’s love story was playing everywhere, on the radio, in shopping centers, at school dances.

 Emma had been captivated immediately. Over the next 15 years, Emma collected every Taylor Swift album, attended every concert that came to Australia. There had been three tours that included Australian dates. Red Tour 2013, 1989, Tour 2015, and Reputation Tour 2018, and made Taylor’s music a central part of her identity.

 By 2024, Emma was 28 years old, married to Liam Carter, 30, and working as a nurse in Perth. Liam wasn’t a Swifty. He liked Taylor’s music fine, but wasn’t obsessed. But he loved Emma, and he knew how much Taylor meant to her. In October 2022, when Taylor announced the era tour, Emma had waited anxiously for the Australian dates to be revealed.

 But as the tour schedule was released, North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Australia wasn’t listed. Not a single show. Emma had been devastated. “How is Australia not on the tour?” she’d said to Liam, nearly in tears. “She’s toured here before. Why not this time? Liam had done some research. It says here the tour is focused on stadiums that can hold 50,000 plus.

 Australia has limited stadium availability and scheduling conflicts with other events made it impossible. So what am I supposed to do? Emma had asked. Just not see the AIS tour. The biggest tour of her career? Liam had thought for a moment then said something crazy. What if we flew to the US, caught a show there? Emma had stared at him.

 Liam, we live in Perth. That’s literally the most isolated city in the world. The closest era tour show would be Los Angeles. That’s 9,000 mi away. So, Liam had shrugged. People fly long distances for concerts all the time. Not from Australia? That’s insane. Is it? You’ve been a fan for 15 years. This is the era’s tour. She’s performing every era.

Three plus hours. It’s historic. If you don’t go, you’ll regret it forever. Let’s just do it. Emma had laughed, thinking he was joking. But Liam wasn’t laughing. I’m serious. He’d said, “Let’s fly to LA, see the show, make it a trip. We’ll remember it for the rest of our lives.” Emma had started crying.

 You’d really do that? fly halfway around the world just so I can see Taylor Swift. Of course I would, Liam said. You’re my wife and I know what this means to you. In November 2022, they’d started planning. They’d found tickets for the September 5th, 2024 Eras Tour show at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. Resale tickets, $500 each.

 Not cheap, but not astronomical either. Then they’d looked at flights. Perth to Los Angeles wasn’t a direct flight. There were no direct flights from Perth to anywhere in the United States. Every route required at least one layover, sometimes two. The shortest option they’d found, Perth, right pointing arrow, Singapore, 5.5 hours.

 Right pointing arrow, Tokyo, 7 hours layover, right pointing arrow, Los Angeles, 10 hours. Total travel time approximately 24 to 26 hours one way depending on layovers. Roundtrip flights $32 200 per person for both of them $6400. Hotel in LA for three nights $800. Concert tickets $1,000. Total cost approximately $8. $200 United States dollars around $12,000 AUD.

 for one concert. Emma had boked. Liam, this is too much. We can’t spend $12,000 on one concert. Why not? Liam had countered. We’ve been saving for a big trip for years. This is it. This is our big trip. But M, you’ll regret it if you don’t go. I know you. You’ll spend the rest of your life wondering what the Aerys tour was like. Let’s just do it.

We’ll make it an adventure. Emma had finally agreed. They’d booked everything. Flights, hotel, concert tickets, and spent the next year and a half excitedly planning and counting down. September 3rd, 2024, 2 days before the concert. Emma and Liam left Perth for Los Angeles. The plan: Fly out September 3rd.

 Arrive Los Angeles September 4th. Crossing the international date line meant they’d lose a day. Rest on September 4th, attend the concert September 5th, fly home September 6th. Tight schedule, but doable. Except everything that could go wrong did. Problem number one, first flight delayed. Their Perth to Singapore flight scheduled to depart at 10:00 a.m.

was delayed due to mechanical issues. They sat on the tarmac for 6 hours before finally taking off. By the time they landed in Singapore, they’d missed their connecting flight to Tokyo. Problem number two, rebooking nightmare. The airline rebooked them on a different carrier with a longer layover.

 Singapore to Tokyo would now be a 12-hour wait instead of seven. Emma had started panicking. We’re going to miss the concert. We’ve spent $12,000 and we’re going to miss it. We’ll make it, Liam had said, trying to stay calm. We just need to get to LA by tomorrow afternoon. We still have time. Problem number three, lost luggage.

 When they’d finally boarded the Singapore to Tokyo flight, a different airline than originally booked. The airline had somehow misouted their checked luggage. It didn’t make the transfer. They’d arrived in Tokyo without their bags, no clothes, no toiletries, just the carryons. they’d brought on the plane, which contained their concert tickets, passports, and an Australian flag Emma had packed specifically to wave at the concert.

Problem number four, missed second connection. The Tokyo to Los Angeles flight had been further delayed due to weather. By the time they’d boarded and landed in LA, it was late at night on September 4th. Nearly 30 hours of travel instead of the planned 24. They were exhausted, wearing the same clothes they’d left Perth in with no luggage and one day before the concert.

Problem number five, hotel reservation cancelled. When they’d arrived at their pre-booked hotel in Los Angeles at 2:00 a.m., the front desk had informed them, “I’m sorry, your reservation was cancelled.” “What? Why?” Liam had asked, barely holding it together. Our system shows you didn’t confirm within 24 hours of check-in. The room was released.

 We were on a plane. We couldn’t confirm. We booked this months ago. I’m sorry, sir. We’re fully booked. There’s nothing I can do. Emma had started crying from exhaustion and frustration. They’d spent the next hour calling hotels, finally finding a room at a cheaper motel 30 minutes away.

 They’d checked in at 3:30 a.m., collapsed into bed, and slept for a few hours. September 5th, 2024, concert day. Emma and Liam woke up around noon, still exhausted. They had no luggage, still lost somewhere between Singapore and Tokyo. So, they were stuck wearing their travel clothes, jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, nothing concert ready.

 This is fine, Emma had said, trying to stay positive. We’re here. We made it. The concert is tonight. That’s all that matters. Exactly. Liam had agreed. Let’s get some food, rest a bit more, then head to the stadium early so we’re not rushing. They’d planned to leave for Sofi Stadium in Englewood about an hour from their motel by 400 p.m.

 giving them plenty of time before the 700 p.m. start. But at 3:45 p.m., as they were getting ready to leave, Liam had gotten a call from the airline. “Your luggage has been located in Tokyo. It will be delivered to your hotel tomorrow.” “Tomorrow?” Liam had said, “We’re flying home tomorrow. We need it today.” “I’m sorry, sir.

 Tomorrow is the earliest we can deliver it.” Liam had hung up, frustrated. “Our luggage will arrive after we leave. Unbelievable. Forget the luggage, Emma had said. Let’s just go. They’d left the motel at 400 p.m. and then they’d hit Los Angeles traffic. Problem number six, epic traffic jam. What should have been a 1-hour drive turned into a 3-hour nightmare. Accidents on the freeway.

Construction. Thousands of Swifties all heading to the same place at the same time. Emma had been checking the time obsessively. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. We’re going to miss it, she’d said, voice tight with panic. We flew 9,000 mi and we’re going to miss it because of traffic.

 We’ll make it, Liam had said, though he didn’t sound convinced. At 6:55 p.m., 5 minutes before Taylor was scheduled to take the stage, they’d finally arrived at Sofi Stadium. They’d parked haphazardly, run through the parking lot, found their gate, sprinted through security, which thankfully was quick because most people were already inside, and burst into the stadium, breathless, sweaty, and frantic. The lights dimmed.

 The crowd screamed. Taylor Swift walked onto the stage. We made it, Emma had gasped, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath. Oh my god, we made it. They’d found their seats halfway up. decent view and collapsed into them, still panting. They’d been wearing the same clothes for 48 hours. They had no luggage.

 They’d gotten maybe 6 hours of sleep total, but they were here. And Taylor Swift was performing Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince. Emma and Liam watched the show in a days. Part exhaustion, part disbelief that they’d actually made it. About 45 minutes in, during Shake It Off, Emma pulled out the Australian flag she’d packed in her carry-on.

 It was the only souvenir type item they had. Everything else was in the lost luggage. She and Liam held it up together, waving it, singing along. Taylor was running along the front of the stage, engaging with the audience, and she saw the flag. She stopped mid song, not completely, but slowed down, squinting at the flag.

 Then she walked toward their section, pointing, “Wait, is that an Australian flag?” Taylor said into the microphone. The crowd near them started cheering, pointing at Emma and Liam. Taylor shielded her eyes from the stage lights, looking more closely. “Did you fly from Australia for this show?” Emma shocked nodded frantically and shouted, “Yes!” Taylor’s jaw dropped.

 “Are you serious? Security, bring them down here.” Emma and Liam looked at each other in disbelief. Security approached them immediately. Come with us. They were escorted down to the front of the stage, past rows and rows of fans, all cheering for them, and brought to the barrier. Taylor kneelled down at the edge of the stage, looking at them.

 “Okay, I need the full story,” Taylor said, grinning. “You flew from Australia? How long was the flight?” Emma, voice shaking, explained. We’re from Perth. We left 2 days ago. Our first flight was delayed 6 hours. We missed a connection. We got rebooked on a different airline. We lost our luggage. Our hotel reservation got cancelled.

 We found a different hotel at 2:00 in the morning. Today we got stuck in traffic for 3 hours. We got here 5 minutes before you started. Taylor’s mouth fell open. 5 minutes before I started. Yes, Liam confirmed. We’re still wearing our travel clothes. We’ve been awake for like 40 hours. Taylor put her hands on her head, laughing in disbelief.

 This is the most insane thing I’ve ever heard. You flew 9,000 mi, dealt with all of that, and got here with 5 minutes to spare. We couldn’t miss it, Emma said, starting to cry. This is the era’s tour. I’ve been a fan for 15 years. I had to be here. Taylor’s eyes filled with tears. You’re incredible, both of you. This is I don’t even have words. You’re insane.

 I love you. She turned to her crew, gestured to Emma and Liam, and said something off mic. Then she turned back to them. You’re not staying in those seats. You’re getting a VIP upgrade. You’re watching the rest of this show from the best seats in the house. You’ve earned it. The crowd around them erupted in applause.

 Taylor blew them a kiss, then stood up and continued, “Shake it off.” While crew members escorted Emma and Liam to a VIP section much closer to the stage, they watched the rest of the show from premium seats, crying, laughing, unable to believe what had just happened. After the concert, a member of Taylor’s team found them.

 Taylor wants to meet you backstage. They were brought to a backstage area where Taylor, now in casual clothes, clearly exhausted after a 3 plus hour show, was waiting. She hugged them both. I’m still in shock. Perth to LA. That’s commitment. It was worth it, Emma said. Every second of chaos was worth it.

 How long are you here for? Taylor asked. We fly home tomorrow. Liam said. This was basically a 48-hour trip. Fly here, see the show, fly home. Taylor shook her head in amazement. That’s love. That’s dedication. Thank you for caring that much. Seriously. She signed their Australian flag, took photos with them, and gave them signed merchandise to replace the stuff they’d lost in their luggage.

 Before they left, Taylor said, “Next time I tour Australia, you’re coming to that show, too, right?” “Absolutely,” Emma promised. “Good,” Taylor said. “Because you’ve set the bar pretty high. You’re the most dedicated fans I’ve ever met. The video of Taylor calling out Emma and Liam for flying from Australia went viral immediately. Buzzfeed headline.

Couple flies 9,000 mi from Australia for One Era’s tour show. Taylor Swift upgrades them to VIP entertainment tonight. Most dedicated Swifties ever. Australian couple’s 47hour journey to see Taylor. The video was viewed 380 million times in the first two weeks. comments flooded in. 47 hours of travel and they got there 5 minutes before the show started. That’s dedication.

 Lost luggage, canceled hotel, 3-hour traffic jam, and they still made it. Legends. Taylor recognizing them and upgrading them to VIP was perfect. They deserved it. Emma and Liam did interviews explaining the journey. People asked us, “Was it worth it?” And honestly, yes. Every delayed flight, every piece of lost luggage, every moment of stress, it was all worth it. We saw the era tour.

We got recognized by Taylor. We have a story we’ll tell for the rest of our lives. When their lost luggage finally arrived in Perth 3 days after they’d returned home, Emma laughed. At least we got it back eventually. Two years later, in 2026, when Taylor finally announced an Australia leg of her tour, Emma and Liam bought tickets immediately, and this time they only had to travel 30 minutes across Perth.

 Much easier. But they brought the same Australian flag, now signed by Taylor, and held it up during the show, remembering the time they’d flown 9,000 m, and arrived with 5 minutes to spare. And there we have it. A story that reminds us that true dedication means pushing through chaos. That love sometimes means flying 9,000 m for your partner’s happiness.

 And that Taylor Swift recognizing fans who go to extreme lengths is exactly why people go to those lengths. Emma and Liam Carter flew from Perth, Australia to Los Angeles, 9,000 mi, 47 hours of travel, three layovers for one era tour show. But everything went wrong. First flight delayed 6 hours. Missed connection. Lost luggage. Cancelled hotel reservation.

Found new hotel at 2:00 a.m. Stuck in traffic for 3 hours on concert day. They arrived at Sofi Stadium 5 minutes before Taylor took the stage. Still in travel clothes, exhausted, but there. What strikes me most about this story is the cascade of disasters. Any one of those problems would make most people give up.

But Emma and Liam kept pushing. Flight delayed. Rebbook. Luggage lost. Keep going. Hotel canceled. Find another. Traffic jam. Sprint through the parking lot. They refused to let anything stop them. And the moment Taylor saw that Australian flag, understood they’d flown from Perth, and heard they’d arrived 5 minutes before the show, her reaction, “You’re insane.

 I love you perfectly captured the mix of admiration and disbelief. Then upgrading them to VIP wasn’t charity. It was recognition. They’d earned it through sheer determination. The fact that they spent $12,000 AUD on this trip for one concert might seem excessive to some people. But for Emma, who’d been a Swifty for 15 years and had no Australian shows to attend, this wasn’t excess.

 This was necessity. and Liam understanding that, supporting it, making it happen. That’s love. Thank you for joining us for another story from the Swift Stories, where we believe that dedication means pushing through every obstacle, that supporting your partner’s dreams sometimes means flying halfway around the world, and that arriving with 5 minutes to spare after 47 hours of chaos makes the best stories.

 Remember, they flew 9,000 mi. Everything went wrong. They got there 5 minutes before Taylor started. Taylor called them out, upgraded them to VIP, met them backstage. The video got 380 million views and when asked was it worth it, they said yes without hesitation.