This airline is reporting an almost 30% increase in European holiday travel

United Airlines seeing increase in travel to Europe this holiday season

By Mark Reif Published November 25, 2024

London, England — London, England Benjamin Davies via Unsplash

As the holidays approach, United Airlines reports a substantial increase in travel to Europe. Bookings are up almost 30% compared to 2019 and 10% since last year. The trend shows Americans’ move to spend their holiday budgets on experiences instead of material gifts. 2024 looks to be United’s busiest-ever holiday period, with about 25 million travelers, representing a 6% increase from 2023.

United has abundant nonstop European flights

Zurich, Switzerland — Zurich, Switzerland Xavier Photography via Unsplash

United offers more direct flights to Europe than any domestic airline. Its most in-demand holiday European destinations include Munich, Frankfurt, Paris, London, and Brussels. Additionally, with United’s partnership with Lufthansa Group and Deutsche Bahn railway, passengers can reach over 130 destinations throughout Europe.

Recommended Videos

Europe attracts travelers with its history, scenery, and cuisine. From the streets of Paris to the canals of Amsterdam, visitors are immersed in new cultures and flavors.

Highlights of United’s European holiday offerings include:

The most direct flights of any U.S. airline to Brussels, Munich, and Frankfurt
17 daily direct flights to London from the U.S.
Almost 60 daily nonstop flights from U.S. hubs
The sole domestic airline with year-round direct flights to Berlin and Geneva
Daily direct routes to 16 European cities from U.S. hubs, including Zurich, Amsterdam, Paris, London, and more.

Darren Scott, United’s Director of Atlantic and Hawaii Planning, said: “The European Christmas markets have become even more popular in recent years and no airline makes it easier than United to get away and visit for the holidays. Stay for a week or make it a long weekend with nonstop flights and easy connections to more than 130 European cities, including the legendary markets in Dresden, Strasbourg, Vienna and Cologne.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

United Airlines will offer this savory treat at 35,000 feet

United Airlines aircraft

United Airlines passengers with a sweet tooth have plenty to look forward to, with the airline offering Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding on select flights. It’ll be the first time the bakery’s treats are served in the sky, owing to its new frozen-to-thaw recipe. The pudding will be available on First Class flights of 901 miles or more.
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding makes every flight sweeter

First Class passengers will enjoy 3-ounce servings of Banana Pudding Wafer Cookie Bits, a frozen whipped pudding with wafer cookie bits and real bananas. The recipe draws from Magnolia Bakery’s World-Famous Banana Pudding.

Travel

This airline’s rewards program stays the same for 2025

American Airlines announces 2025 AAdvantage program

American Airlines aircraft

American Airlines AAdvantage members will enjoy the same requirements and rewards for 2025, with the airline providing an upfront way to obtain or keep status and benefits. That marks the second year in a row of level qualifications for status and rewards, making it simple for members to maintain their memberships.
American Airlines wants AAdvantage to be simple and beneficial

Scott Chandler, American’s Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Loyalty, said: “We’ve evolved the AAdvantage program over the last few years to be easy to understand and to engage with, all with the goal of delivering the best and most rewarding experience possible for our members. We’ve heard fantastic feedback from our members about the creative ways we’ve given them to earn and redeem miles, and we’re continuing to do so.”

Travel

JetBlue announces flights to these European cities

JetBlue will offer direct routes to these European cities

Madrid, Spain

JetBlue will expand its transatlantic flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with seasonal direct routes to Madrid, Spain’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), and Edinburgh, Scotland’s Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Both flights debut on May 22, 2025, and offer daily service. Together, they’ll help position JetBlue as the East Coast’s finest leisure airline.
JetBlue’s “JetForward” strategy is building its East Coast network
Edinburgh, Scotland Lorin Both via Unsplash

JetBlue said the Madrid and Edinburgh flights are part of its “JetForward” strategy to “build the best East Coast leisure network and return to sustained profitability.” The two routes are in addition to seasonal flights from Boston to Dublin, Amsterdam, and London-Gatwick, and year-round service to Paris and London-Heathrow. The Madrid and Edinburgh flights will run between May 22 and October 24.