United & Make-A-Wish host ‘Make More Wishes’ events across the country | News
United Airlines and Make-A-Wish today announced the launch of “Make More Wishes,” seven immersive events across the U.S. that give children battling critical illnesses and their families behind-the-scenes access to all aspects of aviation.
The immersive experiences at any of United’s hubs can include the opportunity to spend time in flight simulators, experience inflight training for United’s flight attendants, visit the tarmac and Station Operation Centers, meet pilots and more.
When a month and a day share the same number, it is often considered a good time to make wishes or set an intention. Make More Wishes events will take place in each of United’s seven hubs, culminating in United’s hometown of Chicago on 11/11, a day widely regarded as a symbolic time to make a wish.
May 5, 2026 – Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) Airport
June 6, 2026 – Washington Dulles International (IAD) Airport
July 7, 2026 – Denver International Airport (DEN).
August 8, 2026 – Newark Liberty International (EWR) Airport
September 9, 2026 – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
October 10, 2026 – San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
November 11, 2026 – Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) Airport
“For forty years, United has helped make thousands of wishes possible, building a legacy rooted in compassion, connection and impact,” said Kate Gebo, United’s Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations and member of the Make-A-Wish America National Board. “As we celebrate 100 years at United, we are expanding and deepening our commitment to these Make-A-Wish families by providing access to experiences and passions in addition to granting wishes.”
“When a child with a critical illness travels to fulfill their wish, it can be a powerful moment for the entire family, often the first time they have felt hope in months,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “For 40 years, United’s pilots, flight crew, employees and customers have helped make these moments possible. Through travel and the Miles on a MissionSM program, United helps provide comfort, relieve stress and support the emotional well-being of children and families during an incredibly difficult time, helping more children reach the place where their wishes come true.”
A legacy of impact
For more than forty years, United Airlines has partnered with Make-A-Wish to fulfill life-changing travel wishes for children with serious illnesses. More than 75 percent of wishes involve travel, and United plays a critical role in making them possible, with hundreds of wish families flying across its global network every year.
In addition to flights, United employees volunteer their time to support families during travel, as well as at wishing events, fundraisers and local chapter activities. From helping families travel to creating personalized shipments and assembling Kynd Kits filled with comfort items and gifts, associates provide support every step of the journey.
The impact of our customers
United customers can support Make-A-Wish by donating miles or money through United’s Miles on a Mission. MileagePlus® members can donate unused miles directly to Make-A-Wish, while customers can also make monetary donations. More than 10 million miles are donated annually through the Miles on a Mission platform.
April is World Wish Month – the time of year when Make-A-Wish invites the world to join its mission. Wishes wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and generosity of WishMakers of all kinds who take action for wish children and make life-changing wishes come true. United will match customer donations up to 1 million miles through April 30, 2026, doubling the impact and fulfilling even more life-changing wishes.
Customers can become a MileagePlus member for free and start earning and donating miles immediately.
