December 15th 2024.
On a chilly Saturday in Denver, the excitement of the holiday season was in full swing as dozens of kids gathered to witness a special event – a flight to the North Pole! The pilot of the plane made the thrilling announcement and the children's cheers echoed throughout the airport. These kids, over 100 of them, were in for a treat as they embarked on a 45-minute flight around the city before landing back at Denver International Airport. But the adventure didn't end there – they were then towed to a hangar that had been transformed into a winter wonderland by the kind employees and volunteers of United Airlines.
As the children boarded the plane, their eyes widened with wonder at the festive decorations adorning the interior. Streamers, paper snowflakes, and fluffy cotton resembling snow were all around them, creating a magical atmosphere. The flight crew added to the excitement by parading a bubble machine up and down the aisle, causing the kids to shout in delight for more bubbles. The background music of holiday songs and the offering of apple snacks and juice added to the festive mood.
As the plane made its descent, the children were asked to close their window shades. When they reopened, they were met with the sight of Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with a group of playful elves, all waiting to greet them at the North Pole. To top it off, an ice cream truck was also present, ready to offer sweet treats to the delighted children. And as a final surprise, each child received a gift to take home.
One of the young passengers, 6-year-old Bryce Bosley, couldn't contain his joy at seeing Santa and all the fun activities at the North Pole. "The North Pole is the best because of all the games, food, and fun activities," he exclaimed happily. The pilot of the flight, Captain Bob Zimmermann, was equally moved by the joy and wonder of the children. He shared, "The fantasy flight is something I think about throughout the year. It reminds me to keep things in perspective and appreciate the joy and love in life, especially when things get tough."
This special flight was a collaboration between United Airlines and Make-A-Wish Colorado, Girls Inc., Children's Hospital Colorado, and Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association. For over 30 years, United has been organizing "fantasy flights" to fictional North Poles at various airports around the world, spreading holiday cheer to children and their families. This year, flights were held in 13 cities, starting from Honolulu and ending in places like London, Tokyo, and even Guam.
Jonna McGrath, United's vice president for operations at their Denver hub, has been a part of 29 of these flights and considers it one of the best days of the year. "It's a day where these kids can forget about their daily struggles and just enjoy themselves," she shared, dressed in an elf costume. "Bringing some magic and gifts to their holiday season is something they will never forget."
This heartwarming event was also reported in Juneau, Alaska by Bohrer, and you can stay updated on more news from Colorado by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.
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