United launches free flights to children’s ‘North Pole’ Winter wonderland

United Airlines is offering free flights to children this year to the “North Pole,” a gate or hangar at the airport that is transformed into a winter wonderland with real reindeer, elves and Santa.

On Saturday, in partnership with Make-A-Wish Illinois and Cal’s Angels, a Chicago pediatric cancer center, more than 65 children and their families boarded a United flight decorated for the holidays, taking a short flight to Chicago O’. Hare and landed at another gate that doubles as the North Pole, United said in a release.

“Children enjoyed games, treats and visits from special friends, including Santa Claus and real reindeer – all provided by United employee volunteers and partner organizations,” the release said.

AMERICANS AVOID GIVING TUESDAY AMID HOLIDAY SHOPPING RUSH

The Chicago flight was one of 13 scheduled for this year, including flights to Washington Dulles, Houston Bush, Los Angeles’ LAX, London Heathrow and San Francisco, all departing Saturday.

The luxury flight left Honolulu on Thursday, and flights from Tokyo’s Narita Airport, Cleveland, Fort Lauderdale, Guam, Denver and Newark will all take place between this Sunday and next Saturday.

A dream plane lands at the “North Pole” at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport on Saturday. (United Airlines / Fox News)

FOX NEWS SENDS ‘CHRISTMAS WISHES’ TO BRING JOY TO SENIORS

“The team made a list, I double-checked it and the answer was clear. With so many qualified kids on the good list this year, it makes sense to launch a season center at the North Pole,” said Kate Gebo, United’s CEO. vice president of human resources and employee relations.

“We’ve collected de-icing fluid to fly from even more cities. United has been honored for empowering children and their families with the joy of the holidays. Making the North Pole closer than ever is one of the many ways we can do it. We show our support for the communities we live, work and fly to.”

Flight of the Dream flyers meet Ronald McDonald and Batman at Chicago’s O’Hare on Saturday. (United Airlines / Fox News)

A terminally ill child was welcomed by flight attendants at Dulles International Airport in Virginia in 2008 on a United fantasy flight. (Tracy A. Woodward/The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The “North Pole” is the location at Dulles International Airport in 2008. (Tracy A. Woodward/The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The company even came up with an airport code for the North Pole – JOY.

Make-A-Wish is also partnering with United this year for the annual event on flights from Denver, Cleveland, Houston and Guam.

Flight of the Dream at Denver International Airport in 2014. (Brent Lewis/The Denver Post via Getty Images/Getty Images)

Mysterious plane kids meet pilot at Denver International Airport in 2014. (Brent Lewis/The Denver Post via Getty Images/Getty Images)

“The generosity of United and its MileagePlus members through the Miles on a Mission program changes the lives of children who wish and their families,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, in a statement.

“These donated miles fuel the changing wishes that bring hope, joy and resilience during the most difficult times. We are grateful for United’s continued partnership and commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of children with critical illnesses.”

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

United said that people who want to donate can donate air miles or money until the end of the year, and the airline will match up to 5 million miles and up to $500,000 through “travel certificates, which doubles the impact and helps the grant change more lives.” desires. In addition, Illy coffee is making a donation to Make-A-Wish on cold brew sales throughout the month of December. Illy will donate $1 for every cold drink sold on United flights, up to $25,000, in support of the organization.”