United
Airlines and Make-A-Wish have announced the launch of 2026 ‘Make More
Wishes’ immersive events.
The seven events across the U.S. will give children with
critical illnesses and their families behind-the-scenes immersive experience at
each of United’s hubs which may include opportunities to spend time in flight
simulators, experience inflight training for United’s Flight Attendants, visit
the ramp and Station Operation Centers, meet with pilots and more.
“For 40 years, United has helped make thousands of wishes
possible, building a legacy rooted in compassion, connection and impact” said
Kate Gebo, United’s Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Labor
Relations and Make-A-Wish
America national board member in a statement.
She added, “As we celebrate 100 years at United, we’re
expanding and deepening our commitment to these Make-A-Wish families by
providing access to experiences and passions in addition to fulfilling wishes.”
Event dates and locations throughout the US include:
- May 5, 2026- Houston George Bush
Intercontinental (IAH) Airport
- June 6, 2026- Washington Dulles International (IAD)
Airport
- July 7, 2026- Denver International (DEN) Airport
- August 8, 2026- Newark Liberty International (EWR)
Airport
- September 9, 2026- Los Angeles International
(LAX) Airport
- October 10, 2026- San Francisco International
(SAN) Airport
- November 11, 2026- Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
Airport
Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America
said, “When a child with a critical illness travels for their wish, it can be a
powerful moment for the entire family, often the first time they’ve felt hope
in months. For 40 years, United’s pilots, flight crews, employees and customers
have helped make those moments possible. Through travel and the Miles on a
Mission program, United helps bring comfort, ease stress, and support the
emotional well-being of children and families during an incredibly difficult
time, helping more kids reach the place where their wishes come true."
United has partnered with Make-A-Wish for more than four
decades to help grant life-changing travel wishes for children with critical
illnesses. More than 75 percent of wishes involve travel, and United plays a
critical role in making them possible with hundreds of wish families flown
across its global network.
Beyond flights, United employees volunteer their time to
support families throughout the travel journey, along with wish events,
fundraisers and local chapter activities. From assisting families during travel
to creating personalized send-offs and assembling Kynd Kits filled with comfort
items and gifts, United employees deliver support at every step of the journey.
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