This past holiday season, JetBlue joined forces with Burlington International Airport, Camp Ta‑Kum‑Ta, the Ronald McDonald House, and the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital to create a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience for more than three dozen children. The airline staged a special “Dream Flight,” complete with Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, and a festive winter wonderland at the airport.
Thirty-nine children took part in the flight across Vermont. Many of the participants are facing serious illnesses, including cancer, and the event gave them and their families a joyful break from medical routines and hospital visits.
Nine-year-old Rowan Dodge, a two-time cancer survivor, shared his surprise and excitement, telling WCAX that he had expected a routine doctor’s appointment. “I was really excited because I thought I was going to a doctor’s appointment,” he said. “I’m hoping to see Santa because my mom told me we were going to see Santa, but she already tricked me once today, so I don’t know if we’re actually going to see Santa Claus.”
Families were greeted at the gate by a lively Frosty and each child received a cuddly teddy bear. After the flight, the children met Santa Claus in person. While airborne, passengers enjoyed aerial views that included New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, adding to the magic of the day.
The Dream Flight brought together community partners, caregivers, volunteers, and airline staff to create a warm, inclusive experience. Events like this focus on giving children facing health challenges time for play, wonder, and family connection. For many families, the flight offered a rare opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the holiday spirit together.
Organizers emphasized the importance of community collaboration in making the event possible. By coordinating logistics, medical needs, and festive activities, the partners ensured a safe and uplifting environment for all participants. Volunteers played a key role in welcoming families, assisting on board, and helping create the seasonal atmosphere that made the day special.
Beyond the immediate joy of the flight, experiences like this can have lasting emotional benefits for children and their families. A change of scenery, the thrill of flying, and the chance to meet holiday characters can provide hopeful memories during challenging times. For the children on this Dream Flight, the combination of care, celebration, and scenic views offered a meaningful break from treatment schedules and hospitals.
Ultimately, the collaboration among JetBlue, local organizations, and medical partners demonstrated how thoughtful community efforts can brighten lives during the holidays. The Dream Flight was more than an event; it was a reminder of the power of kindness, creativity, and collective support in bringing comfort and joy to families facing difficult circumstances.