United Airlines Sets Record with 175 Million Passengers in 2024
United Airlines has achieved a record-breaking milestone in 2024, transporting 175 million passengers globally across its routes. The airline revealed this accomplishment in a recent statement, marking it as the highest passenger volume recorded in a single year.
Highlighting trends observed throughout the year, United offered insights into passenger preferences for entertainment, beverages, and travel habits during their journeys.
According to the statement, the airline saw a 25% boost in demand for flights tied to major events, particularly music concerts. United noted a surge in bookings during summer dates for Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” in Europe, with cities like Milan and Munich experiencing a 40% spike compared to 2023.
When it came to in-flight entertainment, passengers spent an average of 60 minutes tracking their flights on the digital map, even as other entertainment options, such as movies and shows, remained popular. The animated series Bluey topped the charts as the most-watched show, appealing to both adult and younger passengers. Other favorites included classics like Friends, The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Big Bang Theory.
The year’s biggest movie rivalry—Barbie and Oppenheimer—also made its way to United’s flights, with Barbie taking the top spot as the most-watched movie onboard, followed closely by Oppenheimer. Other popular films included Anyone But You, The Beekeeper, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
In terms of refreshments, Coca-Cola led as the most consumed soda, followed by Diet Coke and Seagram’s Ginger Ale. For alcoholic beverages, Tito’s Handmade Vodka was the top choice, while sparkling wine emerged as the favorite wine option across all cabins.
Snack preferences leaned toward savory options, with the complimentary Summer Harvest Savory Snack Mix and for-purchase items like the Tapas Snackbox and Pringles ranking as passenger favorites.
United Airlines also revealed that one-third of Millennials book their flights via the airline’s website, while another third use the United mobile app. Overall, more than 8 million customers booked flights through the app in 2024, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year.
Looking ahead, United teased its 2025 summer destinations, which include exciting new routes to Greenland, Mongolia, and Senegal, promising travelers unique experiences in the coming year.
This record year underscores United Airlines’ role in connecting passengers across the globe while catering to evolving travel trends and preferences.
