ABC News - Taking a 'fantasy flight' with Santa: United Airlines and Make-A-Wish Foundation
Santa, in collaboration with United Airlines and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, has been organizing fantasy flights for 30 years. These flights take children and their families on a magical journey to the 'North Pole,' which is a specially decorated gate at the airport. The initiative involves extensive coordination with various organizations, including TSA and FAA, and is supported by United employees and volunteers. The experience includes festive decorations, performances, and personalized gifts for the children. A memorable story shared was about a girl who received a kitten from a magician, fulfilling her wish after her pet cat passed away. The flights are designed to provide joy and unforgettable memories, especially for children who have never flown before.
Key Points:
- Santa's fantasy flights have been running for 30 years, in partnership with United Airlines and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- The flights take children to a 'North Pole' experience at a decorated airport gate.
- Extensive coordination with TSA, FAA, and volunteers is required.
- Children receive personalized gifts and enjoy performances and festive activities.
- The initiative creates lasting memories, especially for children experiencing flight for the first time.
Details:
1. 🎅 Santa's Fantasy Flights Anniversary
1.1. Santa's Annual Activities
1.2. 30th Anniversary Milestone Celebration
2. ✈️ United Airlines and Make-A-Wish Collaboration
- United Airlines partners with Make-A-Wish Foundation to offer 'fantasy flights' that create unforgettable experiences for children with critical illnesses, such as themed flights featuring visits from Santa.
- These events are designed to provide not only a memorable day for the children but also support for their families, contributing to emotional well-being.
- The collaboration enhances United Airlines’ brand reputation by aligning with social good initiatives.
- The partnership has resulted in numerous successful events, with measurable impacts on the happiness and emotional support for participating families.
- Strategically, this initiative reinforces United Airlines' commitment to corporate social responsibility, potentially improving customer loyalty and public perception.
3. 🛫 Journey to the North Pole
- The annual event, initiated in 1993, has grown into a large-scale operation, showcasing extensive logistical coordination and collaboration.
- The use of a tri 7 aircraft reflects the substantial resources allocated to this event, ensuring a memorable experience for children and adults alike.
- The event's success relies on the coordination with TSA, FAA, United employees, and a dedicated team of volunteers, demonstrating a sophisticated level of planning and execution.
- Designed to simulate a trip to the North Pole, the event provides participants with a magical and immersive experience, departing from various home airports across the country. This experience is enriched by storytelling, festive decorations, and interactions with characters representing Santa’s workshop.
- Specific anecdotes from past events highlight the joy and excitement of the children, emphasizing the emotional impact of the journey and the lasting memories created.
4. 🎄 Magical Experiences and Surprises
4.1. Festive Decorations and Performances
4.2. Employee Participation
4.3. Engaging Activities
5. 🐾 Heartwarming Moments with Kids and Therapy Dogs
- Fantasy flights have been organized for 30 years, providing a unique and joyful experience for children, particularly those in need of emotional support.
- In one notable event, a little girl who had recently lost her cat attended a fantasy flight, showcasing the deep emotional connections formed during these events.
- A magician's gesture of gifting the girl a new kitten during the event highlighted the healing power of kindness and companionship in overcoming loss.
- These events demonstrate the significant emotional and psychological benefits of incorporating animal companionship and thoughtful gestures into therapeutic settings.