GUAM
United Airlines group photo with ‘Fantasy Flight to the North Pole’ promotion sign and holiday costume

United Airlines Fantasy Flight to the North Pole (Photo courtesy of United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations)

GUAM, Dec. 6, 2025 – Guam’s hometown airline once again brought the spirit of Christmas to life as United Airlines hosted its 11th annual United Fantasy Flight. Aboard a Boeing 737-800, United transported children of all ages on a magical journey to the North Pole and transformed the United Guam Hangar into Santa’s winter wonderland.

Each year, United’s Fantasy Flight is a cherished tradition in which deserving children and their families board a United aircraft at the A. B. Won Pat International Airport Guam for a special flight (UA 3775) to Santa’s hometown, the North Pole (airport code JOY). This year’s Fantasy Flight welcomed children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Children’s Ark.

Make-A-Wish is partnering with United this year to send wish kids on select Fantasy Flights in Denver, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, and Guam. Tens of thousands of volunteers, donors, and supporters advance the Make-A-Wish® vision to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a critical illness. In the U.S. and its territories, a wish is granted every 34 minutes. The Children’s Ark., Inc. funds and supports individuals and families in need of assistance by providing medical and health expenses, housing assistance, legal assistance, and accommodation to protect children and families.

Community Support

The experience is entirely volunteer-driven and supported by community partners who work together to deliver a festive holiday celebration complete with Happy Meals from McDonald’s, crafts, games, and prizes. The children were invited to submit personal wish lists before the event, and United volunteers worked diligently to ensure that Santa delivered every item on their lists. Before the night was through, the children took photos with Santa and his magical 737 aircraft.

“Each year, Fantasy Flight gives us the chance to bring pure joy and wonder to Guam’s children,” said Sam Shinohara, Managing Director of Airport Operations – Asia/Pacific at United. “Seeing the children’s excitement as they step onto a plane, most for the first time, and then arrive at the North Pole reminds us why this tradition is so close to our hearts. It’s a privilege to create a magical escape for the children and their families and be part of a moment that they’ll carry with them long after the holidays.”

“The United Fantasy Flight event is a true reflection of what Guam can accomplish when a community comes together,” said Stuart Suarez, Manager, Passenger Service at United. “Our volunteers and partners generously pour their time, talent, and resources into making this experience unforgettable for the children. They help us bring Fantasy Flight to life each year, and we deeply appreciate their support of this unique holiday tradition.”

United thanks the Guam International Airport Authority, ALTERXEGO Entertainment, Crowne Plaza Resort Guam, Island Woodworking, Lorzalyn Artistry, McDonald’s of Guam, Pacific Charlie Co., Power 98, and Ruder Integrated Marketing Strategies for contributing to the magic of this year’s event.

Fantasy Flights Around the World

In addition to Guam, United is operating Fantasy Flights across 12 stations worldwide. Flights scheduled in 2025 include the following:

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) December 2
Guam (GUM) December 5
Newark (EWR) December 6
Washington-Dulles (IAD) December 6
Los Angeles (LAX) December 6
Chicago (ORD) December 6
San Francisco (SFO) December 6
Cleveland (CLE) December 9
Denver (DEN) December 13
Houston (IAH) December 13
Tampa (TPA) December 19
Honolulu (HNL) Various dates

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