American Airlines, in collaboration with Make-A-Wish® and Disney, recently hosted 14 Philadelphia-area families for Wish Flight, a one-of-a-kind travel experience for children fighting critical illnesses to fulfill their wishes to visit Walt Disney World Resort®.
Originally launched as Best Flight Ever in 2023, Wish Flight transforms travel into part of the wish experience. This year’s celebration began at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), where American team members and Make-A-Wish volunteers gathered to give wish families a memorable sendoff before departing for Orlando, Florida.From themed decorations and special surprises to gifted Disney ear headbands and a charter aircraft staffed by volunteer pilots and flight attendants, every detail was designed to make the sendoff extra special. The children enjoyed a slime station, face-painting, balloon art and even a dance floor with a special appearance by SWOOP, the mascot of the Philadelphia Eagles.
“For 100 years, American has been committed to caring for people on life’s journey, and Wish Flight is a powerful example of that purpose in action,” said American’s Director of Partnerships and Community Griffin Gonzalez. “Together with Make-A-Wish, Disney, our team members and generous AAdvantage® members, we’re helping create unforgettable memories for children and families when they need them most.”
Make-A-Wish children and their families receive a warm welcome from American Airlines team members and Make-A-Wish volunteers upon arrival at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
All of the children’s wishes are to visit Walt Disney World Resort, and together with Make-A-Wish, Disney has granted more than 175,000 life-changing wishes like these since 1980. The families will also enjoy a welcome reception at Give Kids The World Village, a whimsical nonprofit resort, where they will stay for six days and five nights while experiencing the magic of Disney.
“When a child is living with a critical illness, time together as a family takes on even greater significance,” said Make-A-Wish America’s president and CEO Leslie Motter. “The dedication of American Airlines team members, volunteers and partners helps create experiences that allow wish children and their families to set aside treatment schedules for a moment and focus instead on joy, connection and possibility.”
American Airlines team members celebrate with Make-A-Wish families at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) before their Wish Flight departs for Walt Disney World Resort.
AAdvantage®members looking to support Make-A-Wish can donate miles through American’s Let Good Take Flight platform. Throughout September, all donated miles will benefit Make-A-Wish and its mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.Donating is simple. AAdvantage® members can log in to their account, navigate to the Donate pageand select the number of AAdvantage® miles they wish to contribute.* Members can select as few as 1,000 miles to help support those who need it most. Not an AAdvantage® member? Joining is easy and free at aa.com/aadvantage.*Minimum donation is 1,000 miles, except for members who have an available balance of less than 1,000 miles, who may donate their entire balance. Donations are not tax deductible. Processing can take up to 48 hours. American Airlines reserves the right to determine the final use of miles within the guidelines of the Miles for Social Good, Miles for Global Health and Well-Being, Miles for Heroes and Miles for Our Planet programs.