Airlines are gearing up for the holiday season through OOH advertising in key U.S. markets

Leveraging OOH advertising in airports during critical holiday booking period  

Various airlines are strategically running extensive campaigns across various airports, including Southwest Airlines in ORD and Emirates in IAH. 

As the holidays approach, there is a desire to target travelers who are preparing for the season. According to Google Flights reports, the best time to book holiday travel is by the end of October, making this period critical for capturing last minute bookings and undecided travelers. With over 50% of Americans predicted to travel between Thanksgiving and New Years, the heightened travel activity allows airlines to promote themselves to stand out from competitors. 

Southwest airlines is leveraging our air train and most notably, the larger-than-life exterior at ORD. This colossal canvas allows Southwest to significantly elevate their image, achieving ambassadorial status. In this way, they are able to further cement their position in the industry. By leveraging our inventory across multiple touchpoints in airports, airlines are able to be at the forefront of traveler’s minds, capturing attention, driving bookings and fostering brand loyalty. This targeted approach boosts immediate sales but also positions the airlines favorably for the travel rush, making October a critical month for strategic airport advertising for airlines.  

Local event sponsorship elevates brand awareness through OOH 

As a key player in the aviation sector, American Airlines' sponsorship of the Regional Transportation Advocacy Group (RTAG) in Fort Worth represents powerful community engagement and industry leadership. Held for the third consecutive year in Fort Worth, RTAG has become a cornerstone event in a region with a robust aviation community and multiple military bases, drawing a large and diverse audience that spans professionals, veterans, and enthusiasts.  

As a diamond sponsor of RTAG, American Airlines is uniquely positioned to drive potential employment opportunities. By showcasing their dedication to building a talented workforce that meets the demands of the evolving aviation industry and aligning themselves with their commitments to support veterans and workforce diversity, they are able to convey a sense of importance and leadership, attracting the highest level of talents. This shows their willingness to alleviate the pilot shortage issues faced in the U.S. whilst also strategically investing in their workforce and veteran causes, which are highlight valued in the industry.  

DFW is the main entry point for those traveling for the convention, and is also  American Airlines' largest hub. By targeting a local event, they are able to reach a significant portion of their customer base in this region, cementing their brand awareness even further. By leveraging our inventory in high-traffic locations they can ensure that they reach their target audience.  

Leveraging OOH in Chicago to amplify new product launch  

Chicago is as a major international hub and home to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which has grown to be the 4th busiest airport in the U.S. The city attracts travelers and multinational companies from all over the world, generating demand for domestic and transatlantic flights. Various airlines’ use of OOH advertising allows them to target key locations such as bustling business districts, where they are able expand their foothold in the market. 

Lufthansa, has leveraged our OOH inventory in Chicago to introduce Allegris – an upgraded long haul travel experience on their routes to and from ORD. The airline has been expanding into the U.S. for decades and has established Chicago as one of their most vital destinations in North America.  Lufthansa's partnership with United, whose hub is located in ORD, acts as an incentive to attribute such importance to this city. Loyal customers have ample flight selection and can enjoy loyalty program benefits across both airlines.  

Similarly, Qatar Airways, United Airlines and Emirates are also promoting their brand across Chicago Street furniture and billboards, tapping into the busy booking period in order to be at the forefront of traveler's minds when considering flight options.