NOT plane sailing: 4 in 10 experience flight delays
And nearly 1 in 5 might switch to UK holidays to avoid future airport issues
New data from Go.Compare travel insurance has revealed that more than 4 in 10 people (41%) experienced airport delays last year,* and many are unwilling to face more waiting around when it comes to their next holiday.
The research, which asked travellers about their recent trips, has found that flight delays are really putting a damper on people’s holidays - and making many reconsider overseas travel altogether.
Nearly one fifth (18%) of those who experienced delays now say they are more likely to consider a UK holiday or staycation instead, and 1 in 10 (10%) admit delays have put them off flying abroad in the future.
The research also highlighted the demand for airport lounges as a way to make delays more bearable - with nearly 1 in 5 (18%) saying they paid to enter a lounge, and a further 12% saying that they tried to pay for lounge entry, but were denied and couldn’t get in. Furthermore, 17% of holidaymakers say the delays they experienced have made them more likely to opt for priority boarding in future.
Rhys Jones, travel insurance spokesperson for Go.Compare, said: “Many of us absolutely dread delays when it comes to airport travel - and that’s no surprise, as they can derail a trip and cause additional costs, too.
“We always advise looking at travel insurance, as a travel policy can offer you important protections in the case of delays and cancellations. Depending on the policy you choose, your cover could also protect you against things like lost and stolen baggage, airline failures, and medical care abroad.
“If you are opting for a staycation instead of overseas travel this summer, then it may still be worthwhile adding travel insurance for your trip. While you won’t need medical cover for a UK holiday, having travel insurance could help you avoid paying any accommodation fees in the event your trip is altered or cancelled, as well as protecting your belongings. And with prices starting from not much more than the cost of a cup of coffee, travel insurance could be cheaper than you think.
“The important thing is to look at all the options available, and choose the level of cover you need - which will depend on the trip you’re taking and the activities you want to enjoy while away. After that, you can get in the holiday mood - with fingers crossed for smooth sailing.”
For more information about travel insurance, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/travel-insurance/.
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Contact Information
Rosie Johns
Notes to editors
Notes to editors
*These findings are from a study released by Sago between May 10th and 13th, among a random selection of 2,073 of GB adults ages 18+, of which 1,142 travelled abroad last year.
The results were weighted by age, gender, region, and ethnicity to match the population, according to Census data. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals when compared to the data tables are due to rounding. Excerpts from this release of findings should be properly attributed, with interpretation subject to clarification or correction.
For further information please contact:
Lynsey Walden on lynsey.walden@Gocompare.com, or Kath Chadwick on Kathryn.chadwick@Gocompare.com.
Keep up-to-date with Go.Compare on Twitter; @Go.Compare
About Go.Compare
Go.Compare is a comparison website that enables people to compare the costs and features of a wide variety of insurance policies, financial products and energy tariffs.
It does not charge people to use its services and does not accept advertising or sponsored listings, so all product comparisons are unbiased. Go.Compare makes its money through fees paid by the providers of products that appear on its various comparison services when a customer buys through the site.
When it launched in 2006, it was the first comparison site to focus on displaying policy details rather than just listing prices, with the aim of helping people to make better-informed decisions when buying their insurance. It is this approach to comparing products that secured the company an invitation to join the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) in 2008, and it is still the only comparison site to be a member of this organisation.
Go.Compare has remained dedicated to helping people choose the most appropriate products rather than just the cheapest and works with Defaqto, the independent financial researcher, to integrate additional policy information into a number of its insurance comparison services. This allows people to compare up to an extra 30 features of cover.
Go.Compare is part of Future Plc and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
More information can be found here www.Go.Compare.com or here https://www.futureplc.com/brands/.