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United is ushering in the holiday season with a heartwarming initiative designed to bring joy to thousands of children and their families. From December 2nd through December 19th, the airline is partnering with local organizations to host Fantasy Flights at 12 airports across the United States, plus three international cities. These events transform a typical day of travel into an immersive and magical holiday experience for deserving children. United has been running these special flights for more than 30 years (although there is some debate as to where they originated).
Fantasy Flights are organized each year by United’s local employees, many of whom volunteer their time to create a festive, uplifting atmosphere for families who may be facing challenges or hardship. The goal is to offer moments of delight, connection, and wonder that children will carry with them long after the season ends.
Each participating airport transforms part of its terminal or gate area into a holiday-themed environment. Children board special flights that are designed to simulate a journey to the North Pole, complete with decorations, music, treats, and interactions with holiday characters. The experience aims to give families a respite from daily stresses and an opportunity to share in the magic of the season. Flights are destined for United’s seasonal hub at the North Pole (JOY).
With events spanning 15 airports, United’s Fantasy Flights reach a wide range of communities across the country and the world. The initiative highlights the airline’s commitment to supporting local partners, uplifting families, and bringing people together through meaningful experiences.
By creating celebratory and imaginative holiday moments, United hopes to provide families with cherished memories that extend well beyond the event itself. Fantasy Flights continue to be one of the airline’s most beloved traditions, reinforcing the power of community and the spirit of giving during the holiday season. I wrote about this last year and am happy to see its return.
United partners with various nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation to provide trips to deserving children. Flights are operated with United aircraft and will run on this schedule for the 2025 season:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) (December 6th)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) (December 9th)
- Denver International Airport (DEN) (December 13th)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) (December 2nd)
- Guam’s Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) (December 5th)
- Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) (Several Dates)
- Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) (December 13th)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (December 6th)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) (December 6th)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) (Date Not Yet Announced)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (December 6th)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) (December 19th)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) (December 6th)
Flight dates for London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) have not yet been announced. Orlando and Tampa are new for 2025. It’s great to see my winter home airport taking part in this festive tradition.
Anthony’s Take: United has been doing Fantasy Flights for many years. It’s a great tradition where the carrier gives back, employees volunteer to make these days special (and really get into it), children have a special memory, and the holiday spirit is felt throughout.
(Image Credits: United Airlines.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
