"modern Family" Come Fly With Me(2009) May 2026

Jay Pritchett begrudgingly takes his son-in-law, Phil Dunphy, out to fly a new model airplane. Throughout the excursion, Phil desperately tries to bond with Jay, who remains cold and irritated. The tension culminates when Jay flies the plane directly into Phil’s face—an act he claims is an accident but Claire later identifies as intentional.

The episode was highly successful, viewed by approximately during its initial broadcast. Nielsen Rating 3.4/9 in the 18-49 demographic IGN Review "Modern Family" Come Fly with Me(2009)

Critics specifically praised the pairing of Phil and Jay, noting that Ed O'Neill's silent aggravation provided a perfect comedic foil to Ty Burrell's "trying-too-hard" energy. The "Casablanca" charades joke between Mitch and Cam is also frequently cited by fans as a standout moment that defined their early relationship. The episode was highly successful, viewed by approximately

Phil famously describes his relationship with Jay using a "primal" metaphor, comparing Jay to an old silverback gorilla protecting his territory and Phil to a younger gorilla "swinging in". Phil famously describes his relationship with Jay using