United Airlines Utilizes 2023 Holiday Passenger Crush for Good

Airlines in the U.S. are preparing for a holiday passenger crush over the next several weeks. Delta expects to service upwards of 9 million passengers altogether, “including 600,000 customers each day on December 21 and 22 as well as from December 26 to 30,” according to CNN.

American Airlines expects Friday, December 22, to be its busiest of a 19-day-long holiday travel period that begins Wednesday, December 20. The airline expects to have 12.7 million passengers during this time.

The 2023 holiday period is longer than in previous years. This reflects not only the holiday travel habits of customers but also the difference in school schedules in America’s busiest travel markets.

Like Delta, United Airlines also expects to fly about 9 million people during the holidays, “a 12% increase over last year.” United stated that it is trying to build off of the success of Thanksgiving travel, which boasted record-breaking aviation traffic overall.

The surge in holiday travelers helps United with both its bottom line and its giving programs. The airline participates in the Make-A-Wish program annually.

So, blue birds really do fly over the rainbow .😉 pic.twitter.com/U6epfms4Vc

— United Airlines (@united) December 12, 2023

United Airlines encourages its customers to donate miles to Make-A-Wish America throughout the month of December to grant life-changing wishes for children who are battling critical illnesses. Per Make-A-Wish, over 70% of wishes “require some form of travel.” Every donated United Airlines mile “helps children and their families fly across the country to participate in transformative experiences.”

Throughout December, United intends to match the first 2.5 million miles raised for Make-A-Wish America through Miles on a Mission. This program has donated more than 2.3 million miles to Make-A-Wish by MileagePlus members throughout the month so far.

“We are thrilled to be featured by United’s Miles on a Mission program, which will allow us to continue to give wish families a chance to make lasting memories away from hospital rooms,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America.

Since 1986, United Airlines has helped Make-A-Wish grant life-changing travel wishes. These experiences help wish kids and their families enjoy happy experiences together.

Motter noted that the organization needs almost 3 billion airline miles to fulfill travel wishes for children. Interested passengers can visit united.com/donate today to learn more about how they can donate miles to Make-A-Wish.