United Airlines has transformed its seasonal operations by launching special flights to the North Pole (airport code: JOY), creating magical holiday experiences for children facing medical challenges. The program, running throughout December 2024, features real reindeer, holiday entertainers, and personalized visits with Santa Claus across 13 global destinations as part of their exclusive North Pole travel experiences.
United Fantasy Flight Routes for 2024
Photo from United Airlines
On December 7, more than 65 children and their families participated in the Chicago O’Hare event, coordinated with Make-A-Wish Illinois and Cal’s Angels, a Chicago-area pediatric cancer foundation. The holiday-decorated aircraft conducted a special flight before landing at a transformed gate serving as the North Pole winter wonderland.
Among United Airlines special routes this season, the program launched on December 5 in Honolulu, with simultaneous operations on December 7 across major hubs including Washington-Dulles, Houston Bush, Los Angeles, London Heathrow, Chicago O’Hare, and San Francisco.
Additional United Fantasy Flight Routes for 2024
“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,” explains Kate Gebo, United’s Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations.
“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.”
Additional Fantasy Flights to the North Pole destinations include:
- December 8: Tokyo Narita
- December 10: Cleveland and Fort Lauderdale
- December 13: Guam
- December 14: Denver and Newark
United’s Charitable Partnerships and Support Initiatives
Photo from United Airlines
Each Fantasy Flight destination features United employee volunteers and partner organizations transforming airport facilities into festive environments complete with games, treats, and holiday entertainment. This initiative represents a cornerstone of United’s Good Leads The Way® campaign, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to creating meaningful community impact through its global network.
United has established a comprehensive donation matching program through December 31, 2024:
- Mile-for-mile matching up to 5 million miles
- Monetary contribution matching up to $500,000 via travel certificates
- Additional support through Illy Coffee’s commitment to donate $1 per cold brew sold on United flights, up to $25,000
The initiative features a strengthened partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, operating dedicated flights in Denver, Cleveland, Houston, and Guam.
Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, emphasizes the program’s significance: “These donated miles enable transformative wish experiences that bring hope, joy, and the strength to persevere during the most challenging times.”
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*Banner photo from United Airlines
