Travellers heading to New Zealand may have missed Christmas Day with their friends and families, but those on board an Air New Zealand flight from San Francisco to Auckland were treated to a bit of festive fun at 30,000 feet.

Flying from the United States to New Zealand means crossing the dateline, with those on board effectively losing a day. If you left the US on December 24, you’d arrive in Aotearoa on December 26, missing Christmas on the ground.

Having to skip a major holiday and time with loved ones is a downside to flying over the holiday period, but Air New Zealand decided to surprise passengers who had departed San Francisco on its NZ7 flight with an in-flight Christmas celebration.

The 200-plus passengers were treated to a holiday menu – turkey, sweet potato mash and a yule log for dessert – as well as novelties like plane-shaped Christmas cookies and tree decorations. The cabin was illuminated with a festive light display.

“Every detail was designed to bring the magic of Christmas to life, even at 30,000 feet,” Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said.

“It’s our way of spreading some Air New Zealand manaaki [hospitality] to one lucky flight full of festive travellers this year. What a terrific way to celebrate Christmas in the skies.”

The company had teased a treat may be in store for some travellers via its Christmas campaign video, released earlier this month.

There are other festive touches on the airline’s flights during December, including red-and-white incarnations of the carrier’s iconic lollies.

“The new flavour tastes just like a Christmas candy cane, bringing some Christmas magic to fliers,” explained Kylie McGillivray-Brown, Air New Zealand general manager of customer experience.

“It’s one way we’re saying Meri Kirihimete to our passengers as they travel around the world this Christmas season.”

After their Christmas in the sky and a 12-hour flight, NZ7 passengers landed at Auckland International Airport at 5am on December 26, and though there’s a wet day forecast for Boxing Day and Auckland is at risk of experiencing thunderstorms, many will still be glad to be home.