Is There Science Behind Flight Bookings & Happiness?

By Pune Media On Feb 9, 2025

United Airlines

partnered with Dr Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist, Ivy League professor, and host of The Happiness Lab podcast, to analyze research that examines the link between happiness and booking a vacation. According to a new United survey, 70% of Americans say that booking a plane ticket for a vacation brings them happiness, and the majority of people say new experiences make them feel happier than material goods.

“Planning a vacation can give you an unexpected happiness bump because experiences matter for our well-being more than we expect. When you book a vacation, you experience the reward of anticipating a positive experience. The happiness boost we get from travel can last long after you book your ticket – from the moments you happily anticipate your getaway, to taking the fun trip itself, to the times you recall trip high points with friends once you get back home.” – Dr Santos

Rewarding happy customers

With this information, the carrier highlighted the 25 international destinations where United is the only US airline with direct service. Each destination offers unique experiences, from beautiful landscapes to rich cultural encounters.

Photo: United Airlines

In celebration of the National Plan for Vacation Day, United offered its customers an opportunity. Travelers who booked a trip from the US to any of the 25 international destinations where United is the only US operator were rewarded with bonus miles, which incentivized customers to explore new places.

The National Plan for Vacation Day, observed on the last Tuesday of January, reminds Americans to step back from their daily routines and make their next dream adventure a reality. By planning vacations in advance, travelers look forward to exciting travel experiences throughout the year, breaking the monotony of each day.

United Airlines Has Added 16 Destinations To Its Map In 2025

All but three are new to United’s network.

Booking travel provides a happiness boost

According to United’s survey, 68% of people need something to look forward to in January to start their year. United found that when people book a flight, they are nearly as happy planning their itinerary as they are sharing memories of and experiencing their trip.

Photo: New Africa | Shutterstock

The happiness gained from purchasing travel experiences is more than twice as significant as the happiness derived from buying material items like clothing, jewelry, or household goods, according to research reviewed by Dr Santos. The joy from travel purchases is more than four times greater than that derived from electronic items. Additionally, the airline’s survey data shows that most Americans would feel happier booking a flight to a new destination than a destination they have already visited.

“As humans, we are delighted by the novelty of the unknown. The thrill of a new handbag wears off quickly since you get used to them through a trick our mind does called ‘hedonic adaptation,’ but travel brings new experiences each day that delight and engage us. And then we build on that through social connections by traveling with other people and talking about our trip with them later.” – Dr Santos

5 United Airlines Flights That Could Not Exist 10 Years Ago

The carrier has altered its network strategy.

United Airlines flies to more international destinations than any other US airline

United Airlines connects travelers with its extensive network of over 360 destinations worldwide. This summer, the airline will operate 800 daily flights to and from 147 international destinations, creating opportunities for passengers to explore cultures far and wide. The airline allows passengers to experience the energy of Tokyo or savor the historic charm of European cities like Paris and Rome.

United’s luxury amenities, modern aircraft, and dedicated professionals ensure a comfortable travel experience, allowing travelers to focus on making memories rather than the logistics of getting there.

Photo: United Airlines

Why United Airlines Is Growing Its International Footprint When Other Carriers Aren’t

The carrier is in the best position to expand globally.

Last year, the airline announced its most significant international expansion, including Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Nuuk, Greenland; Palermo, Italy; Bilbao, Spain; Madeira and Faro, Portugal; and Dakar, Senegal. United now serves more direct destinations in Africa than any other US airline.

United’s summer schedule includes service to eight new cities

Starting in May, United Airlines is set to expand with five new nonstop flights from its Newark hub, venturing to some fascinating destinations that no other US airline offers. Passengers can prepare for unique adventures in Nuuk, Greenland; the sun-soaked coast of Palermo, Italy; the vibrant culture of Bilbao, Spain; the stunning scenery of Madeira Island, Portugal; and the charming streets of Faro, Portugal.

United is enhancing its service from Washington DC (Dulles) with three new nonstop routes, including its inaugural flight to the captivating city of Dakar, Senegal, which will operate year-round. Additionally, travelers can look forward to seasonal nonstop flights to the picturesque towns of Nice, France, and Venice, Italy.

The US carrier offers the most flights across the Atlantic, and this summer, it will have its largest transatlantic schedule ever, with over 760 weekly flights. With earlier start dates next summer, customers will have more time to visit Venice, Italy, Athens, Greece, and Barcelona, Spain. The airline will also increase direct flights from Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Athens, Greece.

Is United Airlines Planning New India Destinations?

With the BBC reporting that the Ukraine War could come to an end this year, it makes sense to revisit the implications that this conflict has brought to the aviation industry, including among them, (but not limited to) boycotting of overflights by many airlines in Russian airspace, and sanctions on Russia which have made buying parts and servicing aircraft fleets of their airlines increasingly difficult. Simple Flying has reported on the peculiarities of the Russian situation a number of times.

Currently, United has the following non-stop service to the subcontinent:

UA 82 Newark (EWR) to New Delhi (DEL)

UA 83 New Delhi (DEL) to Newark (EWR)

However, they previously offered service from Newark (EWR) to Mumbai (BOM), from Chicago (ORD) to New Delhi (DEL), and San Francisco to New Delhi (DEL) which have yet to return, offering no competition to Air India’s current dominance in North America.

Addressing potential destinations firstly, United has previously teased a new ultra long-hau

Additionally, United Airlines is offering new direct flights from Tokyo Narita to Ulaanbaatar and Kaohsiung – two routes no other US airline currently serves. Travelers can also look forward to a nonstop flight to Palau.

“No other airline gives customers nonstop access to as many unique international destinations and experiences from the US as United. Our network provides the most choice and variety for our customers, whether they are looking for a relaxing seaside getaway, once-in-a-lifetime adventure travel or to explore some of the most vibrant urban escapes across the globe.” – Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines.

This expansion is the latest chapter in United’s acclaimed advertising campaign, Good Leads The Way. In the campaign, United proudly emphasizes its position as the world’s largest airline, showcasing its vast network and empowering travelers with flexibility and many options for exploring the globe.

National Plan for Vacation Day and United MileagePlus

On January 28, this year’s National Plan for Vacation Day, United Airlines launched a special promotion offering bonus miles to encourage travelers to plan their vacations. This one-day event incentivized MileagePlus MileagePlus

members who booked trips from the United States to select international destinations.

Photo: United Airlines

During this exclusive promotion, travelers could earn significant rewards for their bookings. For example, a MileagePlus member who reserved a round-trip ticket from Newark to Palermo could accumulate 13,000 miles, an excellent option for those looking to explore Europe. Similarly, passengers flying from Chicago to Faro, Portugal, could earn a generous 10,000 miles.

This initiative aimed to inspire vacation planning and reward loyalty among United Airlines’ customers. With more miles earned, travelers could enjoy future flights, upgrades, and a range of other rewards offered through the MileagePlus program. MileagePlus offers customers benefits including:

Join for free.
Miles never expire.
No blackout dates.
Instead of cash, pay with miles on United: seats, WiFi, snacks, etc.
MileagePlus is the only US loyalty program that allows members to pool their miles with family and friends into a joint account.

What Is Your Take On The United Airlines MileagePlus Changes?

Star Alliance Carrier United Airlines recently revealed that it is increasing the number of Premier Qualifying Points to achieve elite status beginning next year. The changes are said to be an effort to balance out the number of elite flyers vying for limited perks such as upgrades and early boarding.

To compensate, the airline is adding benefits to the PlusPoints earned upon achieving Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K status will become even more versatile. Starting in mid-2025, frequent flyers will be able to redeem PlusPoints for new perks, including Premier qualifying points or flights, TravelBank cash, Bonus miles, and gifting Premier status to other MileagePlus members.

What do you make of the changes? Do you feel that elite status at United has become too easy to obtain, or is it a step too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

More about the survey and Dr Santos

YouGov conducted an online survey on behalf of United Airlines. The survey involved 1,323 participants from various regions across the US and was carried out over two days in January. Participants were asked a range of questions related to their travel preferences and booking experiences.

The findings from this survey have a margin of error of approximately 3%. The insights gained from this research will help United Airlines better understand its customers and improve services to enhance the overall travel experience.

Dr Laurie Santos

Dr Santos is an expert in the science of happiness and is known for her innovative approaches to understanding well-being and fulfillment. Her college course, Psychology and the Good Life, has made history by becoming the most popular class at Yale University, an Ivy League institution, in over 300 years, with nearly 1 in 4 students enrolling in it. The course has reached a global audience, with more than 4 million learners participating online.

Photo: Dr Laurie Santos

Dr Santos has received various prestigious awards. Recently, Popular Science Magazine honored her as one of their “Brilliant 10,” celebrating her as one of the brightest young minds in the field. Additionally, Time Magazine recognized her as a “Leading Campus Celebrity.”

Additionally, Dr Santos is the host of the podcast The Happiness Lab. This highly regarded podcast has quickly become one of the top three on Apple. Since its launch, the podcast has amassed over 100 million downloads. Through her work, Dr Santos inspires individuals to seek fulfillment and happiness in their lives, making a lasting impact on the field of psychology and beyond.

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