United Airlines Brings Holiday Magic with Special Fantasy Flights
Passengers on a recent United Airlines flight to the “North Pole” were in for a unique surprise—one that brought joy and holiday magic to deserving families. These Fantasy Flights, hosted by United Airlines, are designed to create unforgettable memories for children and families facing hardships, such as coping with life-threatening illnesses or grieving the loss of a loved one.
A Magical Journey to the North Pole
On December 5, 2024, families boarded United Airlines Flight 3894, departing from Honolulu International Airport. The pilot made an unexpected announcement mid-flight: the plane would be diverting to “Christmas Island” at the invitation of Santa Claus himself. Passengers cheered as the holiday magic began to unfold.
This marked the start of United’s Fantasy Flights, a series of 13 holiday-themed journeys taking place across airports worldwide. These short flights, planned in collaboration with local hospitals and nonprofits, aim to provide a festive escape for families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to travel.
Transforming Airports into Winter Wonderlands
For this particular flight, over 125 children and their families began their adventure at the check-in counter, where they received custom tickets with the airport code “JOY” and a special “passport photo.” The airport terminal was filled with Disney princesses, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and other costumed characters.
The families then boarded a plane festively decorated with ornaments and garlands. During the 30-minute flight over Maui and Molokai, upbeat holiday music played, and snack bags were distributed to the passengers.
Upon landing back in Honolulu, the families were escorted to a hangar transformed into a magical “North Pole.” Volunteers and staff, including United retirees, created a winter wonderland with games, face painting, hula performances, and prize-winning activities. Each child received a personalized gift from Santa, chosen from their wishlist and purchased by United Airlines.
A Day of Joy for Families in Need
The event was especially meaningful for families like the Mailos, who hadn’t flown since the COVID-19 pandemic. Their son, Amadeus, has been battling cancer, and the family has worked closely with the nonprofit HUGS Hawaii for years.
“For us, it means spending time together,” said Tony Mailo, who attended with his wife Leslie Ann and their son. Leslie Ann expressed gratitude for the experience, saying, “It was really amazing, really magical. A lot of thought was behind it. We’re so thankful.”
Making It All Happen
The success of the event was thanks to the efforts of more than 150 volunteers and United Airlines staff. Lena Wong, a United customer service agent and organizer of Hawaii’s Fantasy Flights, noted the incredible teamwork involved. “There are so many logistics, and we’re fortunate to have volunteers who give their time and even their own money to make this happen,” Wong said.
Spreading Holiday Cheer Around the World
In addition to Honolulu, United Airlines is hosting Fantasy Flights at 12 other airports, including Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Los Angeles, Newark, and even London Heathrow. Each event is tailored to provide a similar magical experience, spreading holiday cheer to children and families in need across the globe.
These Fantasy Flights are a testament to the power of community and compassion, proving that sometimes, a little imagination and effort can bring true magic to life.
