United Airlines will once again bring some Christmas cheer through the annual Fantasy Flights, whereby children are selected for free flights during the Xmas season. It's one way to give joy to families who have experienced the loss of a loved one, including those with seriously ill children and who have lost family members to military service. The flights leave from thirteen cities worldwide, taking the children on a magical tour to view Santa Claus and participate in activities at the "North Pole."
The Fantasy Flights started on December 7, 2024, and the inaugural flight left from Honolulu. The cities that are on the route for the program include:
Honolulu (HNL)
Washington Dulles (IAD)
Houston Bush (IAH)
Los Angeles (LAX)
London Heathrow (LHR)
Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
San Francisco (SFO)
Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Cleveland (CLE) (scheduled for December 10)
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) (scheduled for December 10)
Guam (GUM) (scheduled for December 13)
Denver (DEN) (scheduled for December 14)
Newark (EWR) (scheduled for December 14)
United Airlines Fantasy Flights program
Once the kids and their families are on the flights, they go on a short ride, circling back to the same airport. But upon landing, they are taken to a winter wonderland amazingly prepared by United employees and local volunteers. Colors shine, trees twinkle, and Santa Clause and his helpers transform the venue into a fairytale-like atmosphere befitting the magical season.
On one of the first flights, the captain came over the intercom and said:
"Santa has invited us to Christmas Island, and all his elves are waiting there on the ground for us," USA Today reports.
Many had never flown before, and that made the flying experience even more special to them.
This heartwarming initiative is in collaboration with local hospitals and nonprofit organizations like Make-A-Wish and Cal's Angels, which help identify families that deserve to experience such a unique holiday. United said in a press release:
"The children enjoyed games, treats and visits from special friends, including Santa Claus and real reindeer – all provided by United employee volunteers and partner organizations."
Kate Gebo, United's Executive Vice President of Human Resources, told Fox Business:
“The team made a list, I checked it twice and the answer was clear. With so many deserving children on the nice list this year, it only made sense to launch a seasonal hub in the North Pole.”
"We've stocked up on de-icing fluid to fly from even more cities. United is honored to uplift children and their families through the joy of the holiday season. Making the North Pole closer than ever is one of the many ways we can show support for the communities where we live, work and fly."
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Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, said in a statement to the news outlet:
"These donated miles enable transformative wish experiences that bring hope, joy and the strength to persevere during the most challenging times. We are deeply grateful for United's ongoing partnership and dedication to making a lasting impact in the lives of children with critical illnesses."
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