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A United Airlines “Fantasy Flight” took kids from Newark Airport to the North Pole for a visit with Santa on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
Amy Newman, NorthJersey
Halfway through the flight from Newark to the North Pole, there was a long-awaited sighting.
“A sleigh with six reindeer has been spotted to the right of the aircraft,” the plane captain announced.
Chants of “Santa! Santa! Santa!” rippled through the cabin.
Almost there.
At noon, after an hour-long trip to Rochester, New York, and back, the jet touched down at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal C, or, as it became known on Wednesday, the North Pole.
The 45 children aboard United Airlines’ annual Fantasy Flight to the North Pole screamed in delight.
“SANTA! SANTA! SANTA!”
Santa Claus was waiting for the travelers, all patients from Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, University Hospital and Trinitas Regional Medical Center, with open arms.
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“Once we started to take off, my stomach started to feel queasy and same thing when we started to land,” Reese said. “But … I made it!”
August Erde, 4, was also a little nervous on takeoff, said his mother, Tyne Delwiche. The fear melted away as the in-flight elves, also known as flight attendants, belted out Christmas songs, led tours of the plane and handed out snacks.
“I’m glad he gets to experience his first flight in this way,” Delwiche said. “He’s had a rough year, so seeing him really happy is really nice. I hope this experience sticks with him for a long time. I hope it’s a positive memory for him.”
James Ona, a volunteer from University Hospital, said he had no idea what he had signed up for when a supervisor recommended him for the Fantasy Flight months ago. He described himself as a “dry piece of toast,” saying he’s not known for being particularly joyous or happy.
The pint-sized travelers to the North Pole changed that. He was soon leading them in song.
“It’s beyond humbling,” Ona said. “I normally don’t see my family because I work so much. So when I get to see this kind of joy, I get to kind of share and watch and miss my kids.”
Christina Munn, a United flight attendant, said she knew exactly what she was getting into when she volunteered for the Fantasy Flight.
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Her family has been plagued by medical problems, and she understands the toll they can take on people, especially the young.
“To be able to bring a little bit of hope and joy back and be that light in someone’s day — I had to be a part of it,” Munn said.
Munn lives a block from Beth Israel and visits the patients there often. She said she saw some familiar faces on the flight to the North Pole and was thankful she could make them smile again.
“Being here with the kids has been phenomenal,” she said. “It’s nice to give back to the community.”
United started the Fantasy Flight program in 1992 at Washington’s Dulles International Airport and has since expanded it to dozens of locations.
“It’s just a really fun, exciting day that kind of puts you in the holiday spirit,” said Colette Pesce, a training coordinator for United customer service.
Tamara Amaro and her daughter Ximena Moreira, 9, soaked up the merriment on Wednesday. They were especially excited to meet Santa.
“This has just been a beautiful experience,” Amaro said.
Email: shkolnikova@northjersey.com