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 — Benjamin Davies / 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

This airline plans up to 15 more US destinations by 2028

Air Canada plans these new US destinations

JFK Airport, New York

Air Canada plans a network expansion of 10 to 15 U.S. hubs during the next three years. With these additions, the airline is looking to route more American passengers to Europe and Asia via its hubs. Here’s what to know.
Air Canada plans 60 to 65 US “stations”
Louisville, Kentucky Wikimedia Commons

During the Routes Americas conference in Nassau, Bahamas, Alexandre Lefèvre, Air Canada's Vice President of Planning and Scheduling, said the airline plans to serve 60 to 65 U.S. “stations” by 2028. Examples include LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Lefèvre commented: "We need to offer more connectivity. We need to offer more dots on the map, [and] basically create more value."

Travel

Hawaiian Airlines Foundation makes big donation to Maui wildfire recovery efforts

Hawaiian Airlines awards grants for Maui wildfire recovery

Maui palm trees

The Hawaiian Airlines Foundation made grants to three Maui organizations that are coordinating wildfire recovery efforts. The grants totaled $150,000, offering significant assistance from the August 2023 disaster. The Foundation’s mission is to support programs in Hawaii for environmental sustainability, educational advancement, and cultural preservation. The Foundation is now a part of the Alaska Air Group after the two airline’s recent merger. The grants were awarded during a reception ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.
Three organizations received $50,000 each
Volunteers from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines plant trees Hawaiian Airlines

Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, said: “Even though Alaska has served Hawai‘i for more than 17 years, we know that our responsibility to these islands will be much greater in the years ahead as we join with Hawaiian Airlines, which has been Hawai‘i’s airline for the past 95 years and counting. We feel this deeply and appreciate input from the community, and from all of you, to help us serve the people of Hawai‘i well for generations to come.”

Travel

This Mexican airline is expanding its network and offering 70% off fares

Volaris grows its network and offers big savings

Cerro, Monterrey, Mexico

Low-cost Mexican airline Volaris is adding new routes and celebrating with its “Love is in the Air” sale, which offers up to 70% off fares. The network expansion includes many flights from the U.S., including service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The airline will fly from there to San Salvador, El Salvador, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Trips to San Luis Potosí and Morelia, Monterrey, are also included.
The sale offers up to 70% off fares through Presidents' Day
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico Roman Lopez via Unsplash

The “Love is in the Air” sale runs through February 17. Customers can enter the code VOLH70 while booking for up to 70% off. Valid travel dates are between July 16, 2025, and October 31, 2025, an ideal time for summer getaways or shoulder-season travel.