United Airlines launches Holiday Fantasy flights to the North pole (JOY)

With the Christmas season upon us again, United Airlines is offering "Fantasy Flights" to the North Pole (JOY) for many children on Santa's nice list, together with their families.

The initiative is part of the airline's mission to spread joy during the festive holidays.

This Christmas, the “North Pole” (JOY) will be United's newest seasonal hub, with direct “Fantasy Flights” from 13 cities in the UK, Japan, and US territories.

The Fantasy Flights are local, customized experiences for pre-selected children and their families to board a United aircraft and enjoy a unique experience in Santa's hometown.

United airport employees and local volunteers will transform an airport gate or maintenance hangar into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, Santa himself and his elves.

The guests will arrive after a short trip in the air or on the ground. The flights will operate from the following airports:

Each year, Santa and his little helpers, together with United team members, volunteer to operate Fantasy flights across the airline’s network.

They partner with local nonprofit organizations and hospitals in different cities to create memorable experiences for children.

There is no doubt the lucky children will return and tell all their friends that they “actually” went to the North Pole.

United Airlines, which is not a stranger to Christmas campaigns, aims to take the holiday spirit to new heights.

The Fantasy Flights are another way of showing support to the communities the airline serves.

Speaking about the North Pole seasonal hub, United’s Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Kate Gebo, said,

“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. 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.”

This year, Make-A-Wish is partnering with United to send wish kids on select Fantasy Flights in Denver, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, and Guam.

Through the partnership, individuals can also support children with illnesses by donating their miles or money through December 31, 2024.

United will match up to 5 million miles total and money donations of up to $500,000 through travel certificates, doubling the initiative and making more wishes come true.

Additionally, illy coffee will donate $1 for each cold brew sold on United flights throughout December, up to $25,000, in support of the organization.

The Christmas Fantasy Flights are part of “Good Leads The Way,” a United campaign that celebrates employees doing the right things for customers and communities.

This initiative highlights that the airline’s network is designed around its passengers to offer the greatest flexibility and travel options worldwide.