United Airlines is experiencing a remarkable surge in European travel. The airline’s bookings to European destinations have climbed nearly 30% compared to 2019 and are almost 10% higher than last year.

This trend aligns with a recent Deloitte survey indicating consumers are increasingly prioritizing holiday experiences, with spending expected to rise 16% while traditional gift purchases remain static.

European Christmas Markets: A Timeless Cultural Tradition

Europe’s holiday markets represent a rich cultural heritage spanning centuries, attracting millions of global visitors annually.

These enchanting destinations offer a sensory feast of experiences, from warming mulled wine and unique artisan crafts to live music and picturesque winter landscapes.

As the world’s largest airline by available seat miles, United is preparing for its busiest holiday season yet. The carrier plans to operate nearly 60 daily nonstop flights from U.S. hubs to Europe in November and December—more than any other American airline.

Through strategic partnerships with Lufthansa Group and Deutsche Bahn, travelers can seamlessly explore an extensive network of holiday destinations.

“European Christmas markets have gained tremendous popularity,” says Darren Scott, United’s Director of Atlantic and Hawaii Planning. “We make holiday travel easier than ever, offering nonstop flights and connections to over 130 European cities, including iconic markets in Dresden, Strasbourg, Vienna, and Cologne.”

United Airlines Holiday Travel Offerings

United’s holiday schedule is robust and comprehensive. The airline offers daily nonstop flights to 16 European cities with holiday markets.

It provides the most nonstop flights to Frankfurt, Munich, and Brussels among U.S. carriers and maintains exclusive year-round nonstop service to Geneva and Berlin. Travelers can also enjoy seventeen daily nonstop flights to London, ensuring multiple options for European holiday adventures.

Enhanced Destination Access

Travelers have unprecedented opportunities to explore European holiday markets through United’s extensive network. The airline offers nearly 100 additional European holiday market destinations through its partnership network.

Passengers can take one-stop flights to remarkable markets like Cologne, Helsinki, Salzburg, and Strasbourg. Direct routes to Vienna provide access to beloved Christmas markets, while convenient travel options to Dresden allow visitors to explore the site of the world’s first Christmas market, established in 1434.

Additionally, train connections to 28 cities across Germany and Switzerland further expand travel possibilities.

Preparing for Record-Breaking Travel

United Airlines anticipates serving approximately 25 million passengers during the 2024 holiday period—a 6% increase from 2023. To ensure an exceptional travel experience, the airline has implemented an array of advanced technologies and services.

These include 150 de-icing trucks for winter weather preparedness, innovative ConnectionSaver technology that helps passengers make tight connections, and Touchless ID services at multiple airports.

Travelers can also benefit from virtual customer service options, a highly personalized mobile app, free family seating arrangements, and real-time text updates complete with live radar maps.

United continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and customer-centric travel experiences during the festive season.

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