Alaska Airlines has been spreading the Christmas cheer this month, with one of its most notable initiatives on this front being its operation of a North Pole-themed ‘Fantasy Flight.’ This saw the carrier welcome more than 40 children on board one of its narrowbody twinjets from the 
Boeing 737 family for a magical journey from Washington State. The point of departure in this instance was Spokane (GEG).
Alaska Airlines has been running these flights for many years now, with the intent of bringing festive cheer to young people “from shelters and transitional housing.” These special scenes would not be possible without the hard work of the volunteers who make them possible, with more than 200 ‘elves’ involved in bringing this year’s festive journey to life. Let’s take a closer look at how the event worked.
A Special Number For A Special Service
The carrier thought of every last detail when it came to making its North Pole-themed Fantasy Flight as special as possible for both the children and volunteers involved. This even applied on an operational level, with the service being numbered as flight AS1225, in a special nod to the date of Christmas Day on December 25. Alaska Airlines teamed up with Northwest North Pole Adventures to make it happen.
As pictured above, the children on board the special flight were presented with special red jumpers to mark the occasion, which saw them depart Spokane International Airport in Washington State for a 40-minute flight. The 43 youthful passengers were joined by six members of crew, whose mission was to “deliver smiles and holiday joy during a trip to Santa’s hometown.” Alaska Airlines explains that:
“For Alaska, Fantasy Flight is more than a holiday tradition – it’s a shared experience that shows the greatest magic isn’t in the flight itself, but in the hearts that make it possible.”
Not Your Average Flight
The 43 children, many of whom were experiencing their first-ever flight as a result of this festive initiative, were accompanied by chaperone ‘elves’ who added to the holiday fun. Among their duties were “singing carols, playing games, sharing stories, and reciting the magical chant that would allow the aircraft to enter Santa’s airspace.” While the flight was circular, it ended differently to how it started.
Indeed, upon landing back at Spokane International after 40 magical minutes in the air, the Boeing 737 operating this special service then taxied not to a usual gate but, rather, a separate hangar that had been transformed into a veritable winter wonderland. Here, Santa Claus himself made a welcome appearance, “greeting each child with a warm smile and a gift from their wish list” along with Mrs Claus.
|
Alaska Airlines’ Destinations From Spokane |
|
|---|---|
|
State |
City |
|
California |
Los Angeles, Orange County (as of next month), San Diego, San Francisco |
|
Idaho |
Boise |
|
Oregon |
Portland |
|
Washington |
Seattle-Tacoma |
Alaska Airlines describes the festively repurposed hangar in Spokane as having been “a fantastical world of glittering lights and decorations.” Upon their arrival there, “cheerful activities, sparkly face painting, and endless holiday treats” were among the delights that awaited the children. The operation runs at a rather large scale, but, as it happens, Alaska Airlines has years of practice on this front.
Santa Backup: Alaska Air Cargo Teams Up With US Marines To Deliver 16,000 Pounds Of Toys For Tots
The partnership has now been active for 14 years.
A Long-Running Initiative
Indeed, the carrier has been teaming up with Northwest North Pole Adventures since 2008 to bring festive cheer to the children who need it most. This, Alaska Airlines explains, sees “hundreds of employees and community volunteers donate their time, energy, and Christmas spirit, and local businesses contribute everything from decorations to toys” in order to take the concept from a dream to a reality.
While many years have passed since the first iteration of Alaska Airlines’ North Pole-themed Fantasy Flight took to the skies for its maiden voyage to Santa’s home, the spirit behind the initiative has remained the same. Those involved, Fantasy Flight Executive Director Steve Paul, noted in 2014, “embody the magic and spirit of Christmas so strongly that glitter will appear dull compared to how they glow.”
