WestJet surprises passengers with what they want for Christmas

Dec. 11 (UPI) -- WestJet airlines gave some passengers on Calgary-bound flights something to celebrate this holiday season by hooking them up with exactly what they wanted for Christmas when they landed.

Prior to boarding, the Canadian airline had customers tell a virtual Santa Claus at a kiosk what they wanted for Christmas while their boarding passes were scanned.

While the passengers were in the air, airline staff purchased, wrapped and brought the gifts to Calgary International Airport. When the customers went to the baggage carousel to collect their things, they saw their ideal Christmas gifts drifting towards them.

WestJet rewarded customers with gifts ranging from socks and underwear to an android tablet and a big-screen TV.

The airline announced that once the "Christmas Miracle" viral video of the stunt reached 200,000 views, WestJet would donate flights to the Ronald McDonald Charities. The clip has already surpassed one million views.

“It reinforces their authenticity as that brand and that airline that we want to turn to first,” said Patti Derbyshire, a professor at Mount Royal University’s Bissett School of Business.

[CTV]