Airport Send-offs and Welcome Backs

Airport Send-off

Call the family the day before their trip to introduce yourself and let them know that you will meet them at ticketing in the morning. On the day of the flight, call the airline or look on-line to confirm that the family’s flight is on time. If the family’s flight arrangements change at the last minute, please note their new flight schedule and call the on-call Wish Coordinator with the updated flight information. (Emergency Cell Phone Number Washington- 206-941-5820 Emergency cell number for Alaska 907.727.8828)

  • Wear your blue Make-A-Wish t-shirt!
  • Arrive at the airport 10 - 15 minutes before you are to meet the family so that you can chat with the ticketing agent and TSA (206-214-9337)– let them know that you have a Wish family arriving and ask the agent how to proceed through security (often, our Wish families can use an expedited line through security and often are accompanied by a TSA officer).
  • Meet the family at the airline ticket counter 2 hours before their flight for all airlines in Seattle and 1 ½ hours before flights in Spokane and Anchorage.
  • Help the family check their bags, and themselves, in. Our families who are flying on Alaska Airlines can check 1 bag per person free of charge. Make-A-Wish provides money in the per diem check for 1 bag each family member on all airlines that charge for checked bags.
  • Accompany the family to the Gate – the airline will issue you a gate pass. It is particularly important that you adhere to the directions of the TSA. Please be respectful and courteous, as you are representing Make-A-Wish.
  • Ask your contact or the gate agent if the Wish Child might be able to tour the cockpit of the plane – the answer is almost always “yes.” Sometimes, the airline will allow you to go to the cockpit too in order to snap a few photos of the child – some airline staff are not comfortable doing that. Go with the flow and be respectful.
  • Wave to your family as they get on the plane, email your Wish Coordinator to let her know the family got off OK, and send any photos that you took!

Airport Welcome-Backs (and welcome to Seattle/Spokane/Anchorage/Fairbanks for wish assists)

Call the airline to confirm that the family’s flight is on time. If the family’s flight arrangements change at the last minute, please note their new flight schedule and call the on-call Wish Coordinator with the updated flight information. (Emergency Cell Phone Number Washington- 206-941-5820Emergency cell number for Alaska907.727.8828)

  • Wear your blue Make-A-Wish t-shirt!
  • Arrive at the airport 5 – 10 minutes before your family is due to arrive – do not forget to confirm that their plane is on time before you head to the airport.
  • Figure out the location of the family’s transportation home, car, shuttle, etc., so that you will be able to guide them there easily (transportation information can be found in the itinerary)
  • Meet the family at the baggage claim and help them retrieve their luggage and get to their transportation home.
  • Email your Wish Coordinator that the family arrived home OK and send any photos that you may have taken

Airport Send-Off - Involving Port of Seattle Police, K9 Officers, Explosive Detection Dogs, & Port of Seattle Fire Department

Description:

  • If a wish kid/family likes dogs, it's fun for them to meet these special working dogs and their fellow officers. The dogs are so calm and patient, and allow the kids to pet & hug them, and of course, we always take pics.
  • If you know the family well and feel it's appropriate, you can also request the Port of Seattle Fire Department's involvement. They love to show the kids & families special attention. They everyone down on the ramp around the aircraft to see their fire trucks & equipment, and sometimes they even allow the kids to spray the fire hose! Being on the ramp/tarmac is something few people experience so it's great fun, but it’s important to consider that, it's tricky with really young kids (under 4), or with large families.

Step One: Determine if this perk is the right fit your family, sometimes younger children (under 4) or large families may not be the right fit.

Step Two: Start the Request Process 2-3 days prior to send-off

  • Call Port of Seattle Police Dispatch at: 206 787-5401
  • Ask to speak to the Duty Sergeant
  • Once connected, introduce yourself by name, tell them you’re a MAW volunteer, and let them know you have a wish kid going on their wish trip on ____ day.
  • Request a K9 officer & dog to meet the family while awaiting their flight, and IF appropriate for the specific family, inquire about involvement from the Fire Department.
  • Follow Up the request with an email (provided over the phone), that includes the wish child’s first/last name, # of siblings & parents, flight information, any necessary medical considerations (i.e. if they use a manual or motorized wheelchair), and the send-off volunteers cell number to contact on the day of departure if necessary.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The police & fire departments really love meeting our wish kids, but of course their involvement can't be guaranteed due to the nature of their work.

SO- it can be fun to keep their involvement a “Surprise” (you can run it by mom & dad perhaps) until they show up at the gate.

Remember to:

Take Photos to send to your Wish Coordinator and send a Thank You email or card to the K9 office & Fire Department as appropriate!

Port of Seattle Police Department

P.O. Box 68727

Seattle, WA 98168

Port of Seattle Fire Department

2400 South 170th St.

SeaTac, WA 98158