On Wednesday, February 21, the Department of Aviation partnered with Frontier Airlines to host students from Belmont Charter High School and the organization From Single Mom to CEO for a comprehensive flying experience – complete with mock boarding passes, a trip through TSA, a surprise greeting from Frontier’s mascot, Grizz, and even getting to board an actual plane. The majority of students in the group had never flown, so the purpose of the experience was to provide them with knowledge on what to expect when they go to an airport and empower them with confidence for their future air travels.
The students were greeted by airport staff upon their arrival to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and taken to the ticket counter to be issued "boarding passes". With the passes and IDs in hand, the group went to the TSA security
checkpoint, where they learned what they can and cannot take through security. Immediately after the checkpoint, Frontier's mascot, Grizz, was waiting to surprise students for a fun photo opportunity. Students then walked through terminals, stopping at the information desk and monitors to check flight statuses, on the way to the holdroom to wait for their "flight". The PHL team talked to the group about listening for announcements in case of changes or delays to their flights. Finally, students lined up to show their boarding passes and IDs to board the plane and were greeted by a Frontier flight crew. The crew talked about flight etiquette (such as paying attention to announcements, how to wear seatbelts, no smoking, etc.), and the group was joined by the Grizz on the plane. Afterward, the students were taken to baggage claim, where they were shown the Frontier office and learned how to make a claim for lost or damaged luggage. The group ended the tour at the PHL offices where Keesha Lane, Director of Community Relations and Outreach, talked to the students about careers at the airport.
The Flying Experience at PHL was a great success and several passengers, as well as airport employees, came up to the group to share that they would have loved to have an experience like this when they were growing up. Thank you to the PHL team that organized and participated in the event, including Zoraida Antonetty, Nizana Dawkins, Karen Simmons, Maryna Liaukovich, Azure Rucker, Ashley Franklin, Shawn Hawes, Latia White, and Dave Rosenblum.
Dwayne Wiggins, IGNITE Before & After-School Program Director at Belmont Charter High School, stated, “I am deeply grateful to the Department of Aviation and Frontier Airlines for hosting the IGNITE Before & After School (Belmont Charter High School) flying experience. Your dedication to providing students with a unique and enriching experience did not go unnoticed, and I will forever be grateful for the unforgettable memories created during this trip. This trip became a reality through your collective efforts and unwavering support. Every chaperone and student has not stopped sharing their experience with the entire school.”
Givi Bitsadze, Field Marketing & Sales Manager at Frontier Airlines, expressed excitement to partner with the Department of Aviation. "We truly enjoyed being involved with the 
community, appreciate getting us involved. We will be happy to do it again in the future. At Frontier Airlines, we believe the sky is for everyone; whether they are seasoned, or first-time fliers. We were thrilled for the opportunity to provide the community with their first “flying” experience at the airport and on-board of our aircraft.”
Angelique Davis, Founder and Executive Director of From Single Mom to CEO, stated, “I have to start by saying, THANK YOU for lending us your time. THANK YOU for all the creative work you put into that event. THANK YOU for helping to expand the vision and growth of From Single Mom to CEO. You guys are world class! The experience far surpassed my expectations. It truly embodied a legit travel experience from start to finish.”
