If you’re headed to Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday – for a departure or an arrival – you might want to leave a little bit earlier: United expects 1.3 million people to pass through the airport that day.
United, previewing the holiday travel season that will fly 10.3 million people between Dec. 18 through Jan. 6, is projecting this Saturday will be the busiest, with 1.3 million people expected to be going through the airport.
On average, United expects to fly almost 520,000 passengers and operate around 4,700 flights a day during the period. The busiest travel day after Christmas is expected to be Dec. 27, with approximately 560,000 passengers.
The upcoming winter holiday travel period follows United’s busiest Thanksgiving holiday season ever, where the airline also posted its highest ever customer satisfaction score for the month of November.
Of course, maybe that’s because so many people are going to fun places.
United said the popular international destinations include Cancun, London and Frankfurt (which we can only assume is a stop before heading elsewhere).
And if you’re looking to celebrate 2026 in style, United said the most popular New Year’s Eve destinations include Orlando, Las Vegas and Honolulu.
United officials said the airline intends to add a little holiday charm in the air. If you’re bringing the kids, the airline feels its family seating policy makes traveling with children easier. And they provide a children’s travel kit (an activity book, puzzle and crayons) too.
Holiday classics such as Home Alone, Elf and more will be available on the flights. And, if you’re thinking: ‘I wonder if there is a film about United on the Hallmark Channel?’
There is: “Miles Apart” is available, too. (It must have taken hours to think of such a catchy title for a story about rekindled romance and onboard friendships.)
Of course, if such a cliche Christmas tale makes you wish for a drink. Well, United has you covered, too.
In a twist on an inflight fan favorite, United is serving Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry onboard for a limited time.
And for travelers 21 years and older, it’s offering our signature Sleigh Bell Spritz (Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry + Tito’s Vodka, topped with a cranberry garnish).
It must be noted, all of this comes after some serious gift giving. As it does every year, United teamed with local organizations to host Fantasy Flights across 12 airports, giving children and their families an unforgettable holiday experience – designed to bring joy, connection and wonder to families who need it most.
That program ends on Dec. 19.
Just in time to make room for the holiday rush.
