As the holiday season sparkles to life, there’s a new adventure in the air – quite literally! United Airlines is taking the holiday spirit to soaring new heights with its Fantasy Flights to the North Pole, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for deserving children and their families. From dazzling lights to Santa’s warm welcome, this journey to “JOY” is one of the most heartwarming adventures of the season.

A Ticket to Magic

Imagine boarding a United Airlines flight, anticipation filling the cabin as you prepare for a special trip to Santa’s hometown. For children aboard these Fantasy Flights, that’s exactly what’s happening. These unique flights transform an average airport or aircraft into a winter wonderland, thanks to the creativity and holiday spirit of United employees and local volunteers.

Upon arrival at the North Pole (which may be an airport gate or maintenance hangar given a magical makeover), families step into a world filled with twinkling lights, sparkling Christmas trees, and, of course, Santa and his jolly elves waiting to create unforgettable memories.

Where the Magic Happens

This year, Fantasy Flights are departing from 13 airports across the globe, including:

• Honolulu, HI (HNL): Dec 5
• Washington-Dulles, VA (IAD): Dec 7
• Houston, TX (IAH): Dec 7
• Los Angeles, CA (LAX): Dec 7
• London, UK (LHR): Dec 7
• Chicago, IL (ORD): Dec 7
• San Francisco, CA (SFO): Dec 7
• Tokyo, Japan (NRT): Dec 8
• Cleveland, OH (CLE): Dec 10
• Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL): Dec 10
• Guam (GUM): Dec 13
• Denver, CO (DEN): Dec 14
• Newark, NJ (EWR): Dec 14

Each flight is customized for local children and their families, creating joy-filled experiences tailored to their community’s unique spirit.

Partnering for Holiday Joy

United’s Fantasy Flights are made even more meaningful through partnerships with nonprofits like Make-A-Wish®, which helps children with critical illnesses experience life-changing moments of happiness. For this year’s flights, Make-A-Wish will send kids on adventures departing from cities like Denver, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, and Guam.

And here’s where we can all help make the holidays brighter: through Giving Tuesday and beyond, United is matching donations of up to 5 million miles and $500,000 to Make-A-Wish through December 31, 2024.

A Reminder of Holiday Goodness

United’s Fantasy Flights are more than an amazing holiday adventure – they’re a beautiful reminder of how communities come together to create magic and kindness for those who need it most. With the holiday season in full swing, these flights show the world how Good Leads The Way®, one joyful journey at a time.

So, as we celebrate this season of giving, consider joining the adventure by supporting programs like these or simply spreading a little extra cheer. The North Pole is closer than ever this year, and we’re all invited to believe in the magic.

Happy holidays, and may your adventures this season be as magical as Santa’s sleigh ride! 🎅❄️

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Are you ready for your next holiday adventure? Tell us how you’re making the season bright in the comments below!