TSA, partners make spirits bright for critically ill children

Friday, December 20, 2024

TSA teamed with several airports across the country to bring the holiday spirit to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Joy filled the air as kids boarded Fantasy Flights to the North Pole to see Santa and Mrs. Claus after being welcomed at the airport and given special treatment as they went through security at the TSA checkpoint.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

An ORD TSA officer stops for a quick photo op with Darth Vader and Batman. (Alex Maestre)

TSA partnered with O'Hare (ORD) and United Airlines to put on a magical event the families from the Chicago metro area will never forget. Retired United flight attendants handed out boarding passes to 35 children and their families, and volunteers from the Chicago Fire Department guided the guests of honor to a designated TSA checkpoint in Terminal 1.

TSA officers then welcomed the children, families and costumed guests, providing the extra attention they needed during screening.

"The Fantasy Flight program brings joy to so many kids, especially this time of year," said TSA Officer Francisco Moron, who was hands on when screening guests. "I'm honored to have been part of this special occasion, providing security screening for Batman, who I know many kids were excited to see. I fully believe in and support this event and am proud to have contributed to its success."

After the families cleared security, a party of elves greeted them and helped them onto a United Airlines sleigh to the departure gate where they enjoyed breakfast before boarding their plane.

This was the 12th time for United Customer Service Agent Terrence Burton to participate in a Fantasy Flight, his third year as a coordinator.

"Fantasy Flight is the most heartwarming event we do every year," Burton proclaimed. "This is by far and away the greatest gift we give to our flying public and to the community we serve. We are working with the families of critically ill children, giving them a day of magic, fun and excitement."

TSA ORD Content Strategist Alex Maestre said it takes an entire year to plan a Fantasy Flight, especially when booking guests like Tommy the Hawk from the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks and Benny the Bull from the NBA's Chicago Bulls.

Maestre said after about an hour-long flight, the special guests landed at the North Pole, a completely transformed airport gate she described as "the bow on top of an already great day."

Disney characters, United elves and members of the Chicago Fire and Police Departments all cheered as the passengers deplaned and marched down to a special luncheon where they enjoyed Christmas music, a real reindeer, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and warm chocolate chip cookies.

One family shared that their ill child was only a year old, and they chose to participate for their older children, one of whom is 9 years old and donated her bone marrow to her baby brother. It was their first ever plane ride.

"The Fantasy Flight was a production I didn't want to end," said Maestre. "So many moving parts seamlessly coming together to create a magically immersive event was truly moving. Talking with families about how special being a part of this event was could bring tears of joy to your eyes."

TSA Officer Doug Heltibridle plays his saxophone during the holiday celebration at IAD. (Stan Pardos)

Washington Dulles International Airport

TSA officers screen special guests for the Fantasy Flight at IAD. (Stan Pardos)

TSA also partnered with United Airlines for a Fantasy Flight at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), a program celebrating its 35th year at IAD.

Before boarding a 777 jet to North Pole International, 100 children and their families went through one of IAD's checkpoints where TSA officers gave them the special treatment while screening them for the flight.

Officer Doug Heltibridle even played his saxophone during the big holiday celebration.

"I love playing the saxophone when the children come up to watch," said Heltibridle. "It's hard to play without a tear in your eye. You realize this could be their last Christmas. It pulls at your heartstrings every time."

Following their 30-minute flight, the VIP guests were greeted by a Christmas band, some favorite movie characters and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The local American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) chapter bought gift bags for the kids, who were also given "funny money" to buy stuffed toys at Santa's toy shop behind the TSA checkpoint. Local AFGE President Sam Goldstein wanted to make sure the children had a great time.

"Being able to help brighten the kids' day is heartwarming," noted TSA Officer Stan Pardos. "I used to work for Disney, so being part of something like this is a special thing."

A TSA officer welcomes a family to the PHX checkpoint. (TSA PHX)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Happy customer gets a badge from a festive TSA officer at PHX. (TSA PHX)

At Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), TSA partnered with Delta Air Lines and Phoenix Children's Hospital to give dozens of children from the hospital and their families an unforgettable holiday experience at PHX.

"We had a special TSA checkpoint line to screen the families," said Erica Vinegar, who is part of the TSA PHX Communications team. "Delta Air Lines worked with our Traveler Engagement team, otherwise known as the PSS (Passenger Support Specialist) team, to make the event a success."

The city of Phoenix provided free bus transportation, delivering the special guests to the airport.

"Being part of creating an unforgettable journey to the North Pole for the patients of Phoenix Children's Hospital was an incredibly rewarding experience," said Lead TSA Officer Jaquette Smith. "The joy and smiles from the event still fill my heart, and I can't help but smile every time I think of it."

By Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs