DENVER — Dozens of children erupted in cheers as a festively decorated plane prepared for takeoff in Denver on Saturday, with the pilot revealing their magical destination: the North Pole.
Over 100 kids, many of whom face serious health challenges, embarked on a special 45-minute flight around the city before returning to Denver International Airport. Upon landing, they were towed to a hangar that United Airlines employees and volunteers had transformed into a vibrant North Pole experience.
Streamers, paper snowflakes, and fluffy tufts of cotton resembling snow adorned the plane and seats. Flight attendants paraded a bubble machine up and down the aisle as children gleefully chanted, “bubbles, bubbles, bubbles!” Holiday music played throughout the cabin, and everyone enjoyed apple snacks and juice.
Before landing, the kids were asked to lower their window shades. When they opened them again, they were greeted with a heartwarming scene: Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a cheerful group of elves awaited their arrival. An ice cream truck was on hand, and every child received a special gift.
Six-year-old Bryce Bosley was thrilled by the entire experience.
“The North Pole is fun because there’s games, food, and all the activities are really fun,” he said.
United Capt. Bob Zimmermann, who piloted the holiday flight, was deeply moved by the joy on the children’s faces.
“Throughout the year I’ll think of the fantasy flight,” he said. “When life seems to get tough or I want to complain about something, I remember these kids and the joy and the love and what this feels like, and it just keeps my life in perspective.”
United Airlines employees and volunteers gathered at the hangar, dressed in festive attire, waiting to welcome the kids to the North Pole.
United partnered with organizations including Make-A-Wish Colorado, Girls Inc., Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association to invite local children ages 3 to 10 for the annual flight.
For more than 30 years, United has hosted these special “fantasy flights” to bring holiday joy to kids and their families. This year, flights were held in 13 cities, starting December 5 in Honolulu, and continuing in Washington, Houston, Los Angeles, London, Chicago, San Francisco, Tokyo, Cleveland, Fort Lauderdale, Guam, and Newark, New Jersey.
Jonna McGrath, United’s vice president for operations at its Denver hub, has been a part of 29 of these flights and shared her enthusiasm for the tradition.
“It gives them a day where they are away from some of the challenges they face in their day-to-day life,” said McGrath, who donned an elf costume for the event. “Bringing a little magic and some gifts to their holiday season is something they’ll never forget.”