United Airlines Introduces 'Booking Boost' to Combat January Blues and Enhance Happiness

United Airlines Introduces the 'Booking Boost'

As the January blues settle in and the winter chill continues, United Airlines is here to help lift spirits with their new initiative called the "Booking Boost." Coinciding with National Plan for Vacation Day, the airline has partnered with Dr. Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist and Ivy League professor, to explore how booking a vacation can lead to lasting happiness.

According to recent research released by United Airlines, an impressive 73% of Americans reported that booking a flight to a new destination brings them happiness. This survey reflects a growing sentiment that experiences, rather than material possessions, contribute more significantly to overall well-being.

Dr. Santos emphasizes the connection between vacation planning and mental health, explaining that anticipation is a powerful contributor to happiness. "When you book a vacation, you're not just contemplating a future getaway; you're also enjoying a psychological reward from that anticipation," she states. "This mood enhancement can continue long after the booking is made, from excited pre-trip planning to reminiscing about the good times shared with friends post-trip."

The Data Behind the Booking Boost

The survey findings reveal that during the bleak month of January, 68% of respondents express a need for something uplifting to look forward to. Over half of Americans reported feeling the winter blues, and nearly 83% stated they find joy in sharing memories of their trips with others. Notably, 82% of participants acknowledged that the joy experienced while traveling matches the thrill of planning and reminiscing about trips.

The power of travel as a mood lifter is further illustrated through Dr. Santos's research, which shows that the happiness derived from booking travel far surpasses that of purchasing material items. Specifically, traveling creates a more substantial and long-lasting joy, with the exhilaration from travel purchases being more than twice that of buying clothing and accessories and over four times that of purchasing electronics.

Unique Travel Opportunities

United Airlines, the world’s largest airline, boasts an extensive network, connecting travelers to over 360 destinations worldwide. This summer, they will provide 800 daily flights to 147 international destinations, giving travelers a wide array of choices for their next adventure. Recent expansions even include brand new flights to exciting locations such as Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and Palermo, Italy — destinations not served by any other U.S. airline.

In addition, United has announced a special offer for new or existing MileagePlus members. Those booking flights today to any of the airline’s 25 unique international destinations will earn bonus miles, making the planning process even sweeter. For instance, a round trip from Newark to Palermo could yield 13,000 miles, enhancing the overall travel experience for loyal customers.

The Joy of Travel and Community

As Dr. Santos explains, the appeal of travel is largely rooted in novelty. Unlike the transient joy associated with new possessions, travel involves unveiling new experiences every day, fostering social connections through shared adventures, and creating lasting memories worth discussing. The sense of happiness from booking a trip lies not only in the journey itself but also in the stories exchanged with others afterward.

With such a strong emphasis on collective experiences and the positive emotional outcomes from booking travel, United Airlines is reminding everyone that planning that next getaway could be just what is needed to beat the winter blues.

By encouraging people to pursue those refreshing travel experiences now, they pave the way for a happier, more connected life in the coming months. With something to look forward to, travelers can shake off the January blues and embrace adventure ahead.

To explore the variety of destinations and the limited-time bonus miles offer, travelers are encouraged to visit the United Airlines website and start planning their next journey.