Air New Zealand SFO flight surprises passengers with Christmas ...

Published  December 26, 2024 5:18pm PST

SAN FRANCISCO - Passengers on the Air New Zealand flight flying out of San Francisco were in for a surprise on their journey to Auckland.

Flying out of San Francisco International Airport, the 12-hour flight would depart the evening of Christmas Eve and land early on Dec. 26 in New Zealand time, skipping Christmas for passengers aboard the flight. Knowing this, the airline took steps to make sure travelers didn't miss out on the holiday joy.

Crew members decked out the Boeing Dreamliner into a "Christmas Wonderland," officials for the airline said, surprising more than 200 passengers. 

"Passengers were delighted by a dazzling onboard illumination and were surprised by moments of magic across the flight, adding festive decor to the cabin interior," the airline said. 

The airline's chief executive, Greg Foran, said the company wanted to create a surprise for their customers this year, "even at 30,000 feet."

"It’s our way of spreading some Air New Zealand manaaki to one lucky flight full of festive travelers this year. What a terrific way to celebrate Christmas in the skies," Foran said.

Passengers also had a unique meal for this flight: a special holiday menu that included traditional Christmas items, including a yule log for dessert. Travelers didn't leave empty-handed; they were gifted with a Christmas bauble and other Christmas and aircraft-shaped treats.