Unlocking Joy in Travel: The Science Behind Flight Bookings and Your Happiness

United Airlines recently teamed up with Dr. Laurie Santos, a Stanford professor known for her research on happiness. They explored how planning a vacation can boost joy. A survey revealed that 70% of Americans find happiness in booking vacation flights, and many prefer experiences over material things.

“Booking a trip can give you an extra happiness boost because the anticipation adds to our well-being. This feeling lasts long after the flight, from the excitement of planning to reminiscing about the fun times you had.” – Dr. Santos

To celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day, United highlighted 25 international destinations where it offers unique direct flights as the only US airline. These destinations promise rich cultural experiences and stunning scenery.

On this day, travelers who booked tickets to these spots earned bonus miles, encouraging them to explore new adventures. Planning vacations in advance can break the daily routine and bring anticipation throughout the year.

United’s recent survey showed that 68% of people look for something exciting to plan for in January. They found happiness not just in the trips themselves, but also in creating their itineraries.

Purchasing travel experiences makes people happier compared to buying physical items. Dr. Santos’ research highlights that joy from travel is significantly greater than that from buying clothes or electronics. Most Americans feel more excited when booking a flight to a new place than a familiar one.

“We find delight in new experiences. While the excitement of a new handbag fades quickly, travel offers fresh experiences daily that keep us engaged.” – Dr. Santos

United Airlines serves over 360 destinations across the globe, operating around 800 daily flights to 147 international cities. This extensive network gives travelers the chance to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, from the buzz of Tokyo to the romantic streets of Paris.

United is committed to ensuring a smooth travel experience. With modern aircraft and premium services, the airline allows passengers to focus on enjoying their trips instead of worrying about logistics.

In the coming summer, United plans to introduce five new direct flights from Newark to exciting locations such as Nuuk, Greenland and Palermo, Italy, as well as three new routes from Washington D.C. to vibrant cities like Dakar, Senegal. The airline is expanding its offerings, further cementing its position as the leading carrier for international travel.

United’s recent initiatives, including a promotion on National Plan for Vacation Day, reward loyal MileagePlus members. These efforts aim to inspire travelers to book trips and earn miles for future adventures. Membership benefits include:

• Free enrollment
• Miles that never expire
• No blackout dates on reward flights
• Ability to use miles for various in-flight purchases
• Pooling miles with family and friends

Research for United’s survey was conducted by YouGov, involving 1,323 participants from across the US. The insights gathered will help improve customer service and enhance the overall travel experience.

Dr. Santos has made significant contributions to happiness research. Her course, “Psychology and the Good Life,” is the most popular in Yale’s history. As a podcast host with over 100 million downloads, she continues to impact many lives.

Through these moves, United aims to lead in the aviation sector, highlighting its varied international destinations and commitment to customer satisfaction.