Delta reports that travelers are opting for autumn European trips instead of hot summer vacations.

• The president of Delta stated that the sharp increase in bookings for July and August in Europe is decreasing.
• European flights during the shoulder season are being maintained by other carriers.
• Peaks are occurring in September and October, Delta President Glen Hauenstein said.

Summer trips to Europe are getting too hot for thousands of tourists.

Airline officials have observed a trend where travelers are choosing to take their trips to Europe during cooler months instead of the traditional summer peak travel season, as they seek to avoid crowds and record heat in popular destinations, according to President Glen Hauenstein.

"Hauenstein stated on an earnings call on Thursday that the weather in Europe during August is extremely hot, causing people to choose to travel during more temperate months. Despite little change in corporate travel year over year, there has been a shift towards traveling to Europe from July and August to September and October."

This year, in the Northern Hemisphere, the hottest summer on record was reported by the European Union's climate monitor.

Airlines have been offering more extensive trans-Atlantic flight schedules during the fall to accommodate changing travel patterns.

Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, stated in an interview earlier this year that United is extending the season.

The carrier has decided to launch some European routes in March and April this year, and will continue flying them through late October and early November. This move is expected to attract more travelers during the shoulder seasons, when prices are typically lower and the weather is more pleasant.