Today, United announced a significant increase in reservations to European destinations, with a nearly 30% rise compared to 2019 and an almost 10% increase from last year, reflecting a growing preference among Americans to invest their holiday funds in experiences. A recent study by Deloitte indicates that spending on holiday experiences is anticipated to grow by 16% this year, while expenditure on tangible gifts is expected to remain constant.

European markets, steeped in centuries of tradition, attract millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy festive treats such as mulled wine, handcrafted goods, live music, and stunning scenery.

As the world’s top airline in terms of available seat miles, United is gearing up for its most active holiday season yet, planning to operate about 60 daily nonstop flights from the U.S. to various European cities in November and December—more than any other American carrier. United’s network, in partnership with Lufthansa Group and Deutsche Bahn, allows travelers to access an even broader array of Christmas markets across Europe.

“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,” said Darren Scott, United’s Director of Atlantic and Hawaii Planning. “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.”

United’s Holiday Travel Highlights

Among United’s most frequented European destinations during the holidays are London, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, and Brussels. The airline’s holiday travel schedule features:

• Daily direct flights to 16 European cities known for their holiday markets, departing from United’s U.S. hubs. These cities include Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Edinburgh, Zurich, Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Paris, and more, totaling nearly 60 daily nonstop flights.
• The highest number of direct flights to Frankfurt, Munich, and Brussels compared to any other American carrier.
• The exclusive American airline offering year-round direct flights to Geneva and Berlin.
• Seventeen daily nonstop flights to London from United’s U.S. hubs.
• Enhanced access to over 130 European destinations through partnerships with Lufthansa Group and Deutsche Bahn, plus nearly 100 other holiday market destinations like Cologne, Helsinki, Salzburg, and Strasbourg, accessible via a simple one-stop flight.
• Direct flights from the U.S. to Vienna, home to one of Europe’s most cherished Christmas markets.
• A convenient one-stop flight to Dresden, site of the historic Striezelmarkt, which began in 1434.
• Train connections to 28 cities across Germany and Switzerland, broadening the range of accessible holiday markets.

United’s Preparation for an Unprecedented Holiday Season

United anticipates this holiday season to be its busiest ever, expecting to serve about 25 million passengers, a 6% increase from 2023. Despite these record numbers, the airline remains committed to providing a safe, reliable, and efficient service, supported by digital solutions. United has consistently ranked at the top for on-time departures among major U.S. airlines.

• In preparation for colder weather, approximately 150 de-icing trucks will be ready to keep flights on schedule.
• United’s unique ConnectionSaver technology helps hold flights briefly to ensure more passengers make their connecting flights, saving about 2,000 connections daily since its inception.
• Touchless ID processes at select airports allow for rapid bag drop-offs and security checks using facial recognition.
• United’s Agent on Demand service offers virtual customer support, reducing wait times at airports.
• United’s exclusive mobile app provides real-time boarding and flight details directly on users’ phones, including a terminal guide for easier airport navigation.
• United is the only airline offering free adjacent seating for children under 12 with an adult at booking.
• Real-time text notifications keep travelers informed about their flights, including gate changes and weather conditions, enhanced with live radar maps.

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