The Flight Before Christmas

Lucky kids get to visit Santa's workshop

- BY Sarah Chassé

'Twas two weeks before Christmas at Denver International Airport, and a huge Boeing 777 plane had taxied down one of the runways. From the outside, the jumbo jet looked like any other about to take off. But inside, silver tinsel and strings of colored lights hung from the overhead luggage compartments. Glittery paper snowflakes and curls of red ribbon dangled over the seats. Puffs of cottony “snow” adorned each headrest. And giant sparkling candy canes graced the back of the cabin.

The flight crew was similarly decked out in holiday gear—Santa hats, pointy elf ears, reindeer sweaters. One jokester had donned a Grinch costume.

And the plane’s passengers—about 100 local children ages 3 to 10 and their family members—were wearing matching T-shirts adorned with the words “Fantasy Flight.” The kids also wore big smiles as they munched on snacks and chattered excitedly. For some, this was the first airplane trip they'd ever taken. But for all, their destination promised to be unforgettable: They were headed to the “North Pole” to visit Santa’s workshop.

This was one of 13 flights in December 2024 organized by United Airlines as part of its 30-plus-year Fantasy Flights program, which gives children with serious medical conditions or other challenges a unique holiday experience. The participating airport locations—including Los Angeles, Houston, Cleveland, Fort Lauderdale, Newark, London and more—partner with local hospitals and nonprofits that serve children facing cancer, disability or homelessness.

“The kids really deserve this day away from the daily challenges that they have, and it brings some magic into their lives,” says Jonna McGrath, vice president of airport operations for United’s Denver hub and a longtime Fantasy Flight volunteer.