Passengers flying United Airlines can now surprise a family member, friend, or colleague with an in-flight gift through a new program called Celebrate. The idea originated with Mary Bucher, a food services billing supervisor at United, who first experienced the charm of in-flight gifting more than 40 years ago when a surprise bottle of champagne was delivered to a honeymooning couple. Bucher recalls thinking it would be a wonderful service to offer regularly: “All these years I’ve always thought, ‘That’s something we should do. Wouldn’t it be great if we could provide a service to customers to get chocolates or a special gift to present to their loved one or business associate on an airplane during their travel?’”
To use Celebrate, shoppers visit dutyfreeonboard.com and select an item marked with the Celebrate logo. During checkout, buyers can add a personalized note that a flight attendant will deliver together with the gift, placed in a branded gift bag. The selection includes a range of options suited to different ages and tastes. While tobacco and alcoholic items cannot be gift wrapped, they can be pre-ordered and delivered unwrapped.
At present, the Celebrate program is available on international United flights departing from the United States and Guam. This service offers an easy way to mark special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, or simple acts of appreciation while traveling, allowing senders to create memorable moments in the sky.