Airport Send-offs and Welcomes
Airport Send-off

  • Make a plan to meet the family at the airline ticket counter 2 hours before their flight.

On the day of their departure, call the airline or check the airline website to confirm the flight is on time. If the family’s flight arrangements change, please note their new departure time and call or text the Wish Coordinator with the updated flight information.After Hours Cell Phone Number – for Alaska (907) 952.6245.

  • Wear your blue Make-A-Wish t-shirt!
  • Arrive at the airport 15 - 20 minutes before you are to meet the family so that you can chat with the ticketing agent and TSA – 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).
  • Help the family check-in and check their luggage. Our families who are flying on Alaska Airlines can check 1 bag per person free of charge. For all other airlines, Make-A-Wish provides money on the per diem BBVA card for 1 bag per family member.
  • If you are able to please accompany the family to the gate. The airline will be able to 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 the gate agent if the wish kid might be able to tour the cockpit of the plane. Some airlines will allow you to go to the cockpit to snap a few photos. Please continue to go with the flow and be respectful.
  • Wave to your family as they get on the plane.
  • Email, call or text your Wish Coordinator to let them know the family is safely on their flight and send any photos that you took!

Airport welcome to Anchorage/Fairbanks(Welcoming home or Welcoming Wish Assists)

  • Call the family at least a day before their arrival to introduce yourself and let them know you will greet them at the airport. – Feel free to remind them you will have a sign with the wish kids name
  • On the day of their arrival, callthe airline or check the airline website to confirm theflight is on time.If the family’s flight arrangements change, please note their new arrival time and call or text the Wish Coordinator with the updated flight information.After Hours Cell Phone Number –for Alaska (907) 952.6245.
  • Wear your blue Make-A-Wish t-shirt!
  • Arrive at the airport 15 – 20 minutes before your family is due to arrive.
  • While you are waiting at the airport, identify the rental car company in the itinerary so that you will be able to guide the wish family to that locationeasily.
  • Meet the family at the security gate and help them retrieve their luggage and get their reservedrental car. – Use your discretion if you feel you should accompany the family to the rental car parking lot.
  • Email or text Wish Coordinator that the family arrived OK, are on the way to their accommodations and send any photos that you may have taken.