United Airlines has no bad blood with Taylor Swift, on the contrary, as the pop star drives up demand for its flights.
At a travel industry conference on Wednesday, United said it has seen a 25% increase in demand for flights on weekends when Swift has held concerts overseas. Swift is having a similar effect on domestic travel as well, added Andrew Nocella, the airline’s EVP and chief commercial officer.
Swift is an economic force of its own that drives up spending and strengthen the local economies wherever she performs. Market research firm QuestionPro estimated that her Eras Tour could all help add 5 billion dollars to the global economy.
While United hasn’t added flights specifically for Swift’s concerts, at least one other airline has.
Budget carrier Southwest this summer said it would add flights to meet strong demand for travel to Swift’s shows in Miami and New Orleans in October.
“Following strong demand from last year’s US tour, the airline is adding more than 10 flights to its schedule to help Swifties get to and from their concerts,” the airline said in a statement to CBS News.
— CBS News Kathryn Krupnik contributed to this report