Over 100 children, some of whom were suffering from serious symptoms, were flown on a plane decorated with the most traditional holiday decorations to the North Pole over the weekend. The kids were instructed to close their colours as they landed again at the airports and entered a strap transformed by United Airlines people and participants into the magical North Pole before the plane took a 45 minute trip near the city, according to the AP.
The airplane and seats were dotted with streamers, paper snowflakes, and tufts of cloth resembling airy snow. Flight staff paraded a bubble machine up and down the hall to chants of ‘ balloons, balloons, bubbles’ from the enthusiastic children. Apple snacks and drink were provided for everyone, according to the AP reports. Holiday songs were played in the background.
When the boys opened their colours, they gazed upon the incredible North Pole, where they were greeted by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, among other elves. The children enjoyed playing games and meeting with Santa, and they also had fun getting treats, including those from an ice cream truck, delivered directly from the workshop’s area.
The captain of the trip flight, United Captain Bob Zimmermann, expressed his gratitude for being a part of the special occasion and how exclusive the encounter was. When he announced that their place was the North Pole, the children all clapped in delight.
” Throughout the year I’ll consider of the story trip”, he said. When living seems difficult or I want to talk about anything, I remember these children, the joy and the like, and what this feels like, and it just helps put things in perspective.”
The “fantasy trip” was made possible thanks to United Airlines ‘ collaboration with Make-A-Wish Colorado, Girls Inc., Children’s Hospital Colorado and Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association to make a fantasy for kids in the Denver-area ages 3-10 come true at the most beautiful time of year.
According to the AP, United Airlines has been hosting “fantasy flights” annually for more than 30 years at” North Pole” destinations around the country. This year, 13 cities participated in the “fantasy flight” program including Honolulu, Washington, Houston, Los Angeles, London, Chicago, San Francisco, Tokyo, Cleveland, Fort Lauderdale, Newark and the island of Guam in addition to Denver.
It’s her favorite day of the year when kids who are battling illnesses can forget about their challenges and enjoy the magic of the holiday season through an experience they’ll always treasure, said Jonna McGrath, United’s vice president for operations at its Denver location who has participated in 29 flights.
