WestJet asks 250 fliers what they want for Christmas, gives it to them

WestJet quizzed passengers on what they wanted for Christmas, then gave two planeloads of people what they asked for. Thomas the Tank Engine, an Android tablet, a 50-inch TV. And socks and underwear for that one guy who now has the sympathy of countless viewers.

In a recent promotion (“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good flight”), the Canadian air carrier set up a screen at airports in Toronto and Hamilton, Canada. Fliers could scan their boarding passes and talk to a virtual Santa. He asked with a ho, ho, ho what they wanted for Christmas. “A choo-choo train,” said one boy. “A big TV,” his parents said.

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Volunteers then went on a shopping rampage, stuffing goods into carts. And when fliers landed in Calgary, their wrapped gifts were delivered via decorated baggage carousel.

Nineteen hidden cameras caught the action for an engaging video that made people across the social media landscape soppy with emotion. The airline further sweetened the holiday promotion, saying in a news release that when views of the video hit 200,000, it would donate a flight to a family in need through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

On Twitter, WestJet celebrated hitting that mark on Monday. At bottom, see the WestJet Santa bloopers reel.

Feel sorry for the socks and underwear guy? Me too. Follow me @AmyTheHub