United's "Operation North Pole/Fantasy" Flights
Dec 6, 2009, 12:57 pm
#76
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These are great events. My recollection from previous years is that CO does something similar including actually boarding the plane and performing a high-speed taxi around the field to give the kids a sense of actually moving. It really is a wonderful thing they do. ^^
Dec 6, 2009, 12:59 pm
#77
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Please pass on to any crew you know who are directly involved with these flights how much at least one of your customers appreciates that you do it.
It restores my faith in humanity.
Dec 6, 2009, 1:18 pm
#78
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I did a quick trip from SF to LA to have lunch with a friend yesterday and saw something very touching I did not know about: the United Airlines Fantasy Flights. With the help of employee volunteers and sponsors, United organizes a holiday flight for needy/sick children every year and transforms parts of airports across the country into mock "North Poles." This event was held across the country yesterday on 12/5/09.
At SFO gate 82 was used: the destination sign was changed to read North Pole. Decorations and balloons were everywhere as well as UA volunteers. They even had balloon arches at the beginnings and ends of the movings walkways which really made Terminal 7 quite festive.
At LAX, the rotunda at the end of Terminal 7 was used. Same North Pole destination sign, with lots of decorations and balloons and UA volunteers. More info from the LA Times here. And yes, UA employees and TSA agents did sing-alongs with the kids!
Additionally, here are some Google News links from various cities across the country yesterday although I am surprised by the relative lack of coverage.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone at United that made this possible. You have done many things that have moved me these past few months but this really touched my heart.
At SFO gate 82 was used: the destination sign was changed to read North Pole. Decorations and balloons were everywhere as well as UA volunteers. They even had balloon arches at the beginnings and ends of the movings walkways which really made Terminal 7 quite festive.
At LAX, the rotunda at the end of Terminal 7 was used. Same North Pole destination sign, with lots of decorations and balloons and UA volunteers. More info from the LA Times here. And yes, UA employees and TSA agents did sing-alongs with the kids!
Additionally, here are some Google News links from various cities across the country yesterday although I am surprised by the relative lack of coverage.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone at United that made this possible. You have done many things that have moved me these past few months but this really touched my heart.
Dec 6, 2009, 1:19 pm
#79
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Nice Job United!^^
Dec 6, 2009, 1:37 pm
#80
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I was at SFO yesterday and saw this as well. It brought tears to my eyes. To see how excited the kids were, how enthusiastic all the UA folks were. . . really something. What impressed me was how low key the entire thing was - I saw the sign for "Fantasy Flight", but it was only after I asked a UA employee walking by with reindeer antlers (!) that I learned what it was about. Keeping it about the kids rather than about UA was, in my book, classy.
I was at SFO yesterday and saw this as well. It brought tears to my eyes. To see how excited the kids were, how enthusiastic all the UA folks were. . . really something. What impressed me was how low key the entire thing was - I saw the sign for "Fantasy Flight", but it was only after I asked a UA employee walking by with reindeer antlers (!) that I learned what it was about. Keeping it about the kids rather than about UA was, in my book, classy.
Dec 6, 2009, 1:50 pm
#81
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Dec 6, 2009, 2:27 pm
#82
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I saw them setting up at SFO when I was headed to my gate. They had the North Pole destination sign up and a few decorations. When I came back later in the evening, the green, red, and white balloon arches over the walking rampways were still there and many confused passengers were wondering what it was when they got off my flight.
Dec 6, 2009, 3:01 pm
#83
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Bravo, United
Missed the event this year but have seen it at IAD in the past. Great tradition, United!
Dec 6, 2009, 3:26 pm
#84
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I saw the balloons and nutcracker army in SFO (briefly was considering a way to bring one of them with me 
). Didn't understand what they all were for, very nice to hear United giving opportunities like this for kids. ^^^
). Didn't understand what they all were for, very nice to hear United giving opportunities like this for kids. ^^^
Dec 6, 2009, 3:39 pm
#85
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Its nice that the airlines do this for the kids, I'm sure it puts a smile on their faces.
Dec 6, 2009, 3:59 pm
#86
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This is so cool that UA does this for the kids. It looks like a lot of fun for everyone involved and no doubt means a lot for the families.
Dec 6, 2009, 4:17 pm
#87
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Thanks UA! This grandpa of six going on seven would write more but I'm having computer problems - my monitor keeps fogging up. 
Dec 6, 2009, 5:20 pm
#88
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So did they actually "fly" around for a few minutes or did they just drive around the airport? Sorry, couldn't resist that comment....my 18 month old has already logged over 50 flight segments so she would be a tough cookie to fool
Dec 6, 2009, 6:13 pm
#89
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Bravo to UA for this .... wow is all i can say.
Dec 6, 2009, 6:47 pm
#90
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If it's per the one example I've heard of, they leave from a gate, taxi to the runway, then run up a bit as if they were taking off, then announce they've arrived and exit the runway and then head back to a different gate.