DENVER (AP) When the pilot declared the plane’s destination for the day—the North Pole—dozens of children celebrated on a festively decorated aircraft in Denver on Saturday.
After a roughly 45-minute flight outside the city, more than 100 kids—some of whom had severe health conditions—landed back at Denver International Airport and were dragged to a hangar that United Airlines staff and volunteers had converted into the North Pole.
Paper snowflakes, streamers, and cotton tufts that resembled feathery snow were scattered around the aircraft and the seats. The thrilled kids yelled “bubbles, bubbles, bubbles” as flight attendants carried a bubble machine up and down the aisle. There were apple snacks and juice for everyone, while holiday tunes were playing in the background.
The kids were instructed to draw their window curtains before landing. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a slew of elves were ready for the children when they opened them. The kids got presents, and there was an ice cream truck.
The sight of Santa and everything the North Pole has to offer delighted 6-year-old Bryce Bosley.
According to him, the North Pole is enjoyable since it offers food, games, and other enjoyable activities.
Rylan Hadad, 9, walks with his mother, Eva, at Denver International Airport on Saturday, December 14, 2024, during United Airlines’ yearly “fantasy flight” to a made-up North Pole. (Photo by David Zalubowski for AP)
The pilot of the holiday trip, United Capt. Bob Zimmermann, was stunned by the children’s happiness and amazement.
“I’ll think about the fantasy flight all year long,” he remarked. I keep my life in perspective by thinking of these kids and the happiness, love, and what this feels like whenever things seem difficult or I want to whine about something.
United invited children ages 3 to 10 from the Denver region to travel on the trip in collaboration with Make-A-Wish Colorado, Girls Inc., Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association.
To cheer up kids and their families for the holidays, United has been hosting yearly fantasy flights to made-up North Poles at airports all around the world for more than 30 years.
Beginning on December 5 in Honolulu, they were held in 13 cities this year, including Washington, Houston, Los Angeles, London, Chicago, San Francisco, Tokyo, Cleveland, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the island of Guam. On Saturday, there was also a flight from Newark, New Jersey.
One of her favorite days of the year, according to Jonna McGrath, United’s vice president for operations at its Denver hub, has taken part in 29 flights.
McGrath, dressed as an elf, said, “It gives them a day where they are away from some of the challenges they face in their day-to-day life.” They will always remember the gifts and a little magic you brought to their holiday season.
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