The big day is nearly here, and air travelers all over the world are braving the crowds to jet off and spend time with their families.
In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening nearly 40 million travelers between December 19, 2024, and January 2, 2025, 6.2% more than last year. Over in the UK, airlines expect to handle around 6.1 million passengers from December 20, 2024, to January 2, 2025.
Although it’s their busiest time of the year, airlines worldwide are rolling out the red carpet to ensure the festivities continue in the air. Here’s how airlines are celebrating Christmas 2024.
Delights down under
As the first region to celebrate Christmas Day, antipodean airlines are keenly preparing fabulous festivities for their passengers.
Qantas has embraced the spirit of the season with some special liveries – the A321 ‘Santa’s Freight’ cargo aircraft, a DHC turboprop ‘Dasher 8’ and a special Boeing 737 named ‘Roo-dolph.’ As well as this, the airline is offering special meals inflight, curated by chef Neil Perry, and celebratory treats in its lounges including Christmas cocktails.
Not to be outdone, neighboring airline Air New Zealand has transformed its cabins into a Christmas wonderland, complete with stockings and decorations. Alongside this, it’s offering candy cane-flavored lollies, festive headrest covers, and special meal items to add to the celebrations.
Spreading joy in the US
United Airlines is again running its ‘Fantasy Flights’ at Christmas 2024, with 13 magical flights taking deserving children to the North Pole from cities around the world. In the US, it is partnering with Make-A-Wish, with frequent fliers able to donate miles to support these magical trips.
Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, noted, “These donated miles enable transformative wish experiences that bring hope, joy, and the strength to persevere during the most challenging times. We are deeply grateful for United’s ongoing partnership and dedication to making a lasting impact in the lives of children with critical illnesses.”
Alaska Airlines operates a Fantasy Flight too, with young travelers treated to a thrilling flight and a hangar transformed into a winter wonderland. And, as is tradition, the airline launched a brand new ‘ugly’ Christmas sweater for the holidays.
For those last-minute gift ideas, Delta has launched a SkyMiles member-inspired collection of goodies available to buy on board. Included in the offerings are some very cool Christmas jumpers, wonderful aviation-themed baubles, and toys for the kids.
Although Spirit Airlines has been keeping itself on the down-low since its bankruptcy protection filing, it’s not missing out on the festive fun. In a humorous ad campaign, the airline pitched its Go Comfy seat blocker as a device you can take anywhere to block unwanted guests. There was even a competition to win your very own seat blocker tray to avoid those awkward dinner table conversations.
Fellow low-cost Frontier has gone all in with a festive scavenger hunt, hiding little green piggy banks around Tampa, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Denver, Cincinnati and Dallas. Anyone finding a little green pig will win a $1,000 flight voucher and a year’s membership to the Discount Den low-fare club.
Comfort and joy in Canada
Always an airline that can be relied upon to put a smile on its passengers’ faces, Air Canada surprised some of its customers who were traveling through its hubs with some special gifts and treats. From a cuddly toy or a fistful of Aeroplan miles to a surprise upgrade to business class, it’s a truly heartwarming video that shows how much joy small actions can bring.
Across its busiest Canadian airports, Air Canada staff will be handing out complimentary festive snacks to passengers. Travelers on all domestic and US flights will be grateful for the offering of complimentary beer and wine, but even happier when they hear it’s set to be a permanent fixture. Now that’s a Christmas present we can all get behind.
Festive fun in Europe
Aer Lingus is offering seasonal treats such as mince pies and artisan hot chocolate in its lounges. Business Class travelers can enjoy a Merry Berry Champagne cocktail, and on long-haul flights from Ireland and Manchester, passengers are treated to classic Christmas dinners.
British Airways has introduced festive menus and unique gifts for passengers. In their lounges at Heathrow and Gatwick (LGW), travelers can enjoy winter-inspired menus featuring treats like mince pies and brie and cranberry sandwiches, complemented by signature Christmas cocktails.
Onboard, long-haul passengers in all classes are served traditional turkey dinners with all the trimmings, along with festive drinks such as Twinings Christmas tea and BrewDog Hoppy Christmas IPA. The airline expects to serve more than 250,000 turkey dinners over the festive season.
If you’re lucky enough to fly in First with BA between December 23 and 25, 2024, you’ll get a gift of a hand-painted bauble that celebrates 100 years of flying to India, as well as a festive Temperly London amenity kit.
Merry in the Middle East
Over in the Middle East, the world’s most luxurious airlines are preparing to treat their passengers too. Emirates has launched a seasonal selection of sweet treats and full Christmas dinners in its lounges, including gingerbread desserts and Christmas coffees. On December 24, 25, and 26, the airline is giving away a little Christmas gift to passengers and throughout the season fliers in all classes can enjoy roast turkey with all the trimmings.
Next door, Etihad has brought festive amenity kits, tote bags and other limited edition goodies, available in all classes until January 10, 2025. Between December 23 and 25, a traditional festive menu is served in all cabins and on all routes, with the airline expecting to serve more than 50,000 Christmas dinners in the sky over the holidays.
Finally, Qatar Airways, known for its excellent treatment of customers, is offering a delightful seasonal menu including turkey, while lounges are decorated and kitted out with festive treats. Watch out for the seasonal headrest covers and the extensive collection of Christmas movies on its Oryx One entertainment system.
Enjoyment in India
Akasa Air, India’s growing low-cost carrier, is offering a special Christmas meal from Café Akasa, the airline’s onboard dining service. Available from December 1-31, 2024, it includes a Chicken Mince Cranberry Pie, paired with a traditional Christmas Pudding and a beverage of choice.
Air India is celebrating with traditional stuffed turkey roulade with cranberry sauce for First and Business class passengers, available on domestic as well as international flights. Economy class passengers can indulge in a traditional Christmas cake topped with custard sauce.
Wherever you are celebrating this year, whether on the ground or in the sky, AeroTime wishes you all the best for a happy holiday!