Almost 2 in 3 (65%) adults in Ireland are planning to fly the coop and travel internationally in the next 6 months, according to new research from Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus today launched its Autumn and Winter deals with fare offers on travel to Europe across the upcoming winter season.

Sun, Sea and Serotonin

It’s no secret that we’re feeling a bit short-changed after a summer with less fun in the sun than we had envisaged. Almost half (47%) of Aer Lingus research respondents intending to travel are excited just to feel the warmth of the sun again and 1 in 3 (33%) will be heading straight to the winter sun.

However, 44% of those currently planning a winter trip cited stress relief as a key motivation for travel and 1 in 3 (33%) of all respondents said they would most look forward to break from work commitments when they holiday next, showing the true toll of the past 18 months on the Irish psyche.

Ready for New Horizons

Irish adults are ready and raring to explore far beyond their lockdown radius. In fact, 2 in 3 respondents (66%) haven’t ventured outside Ireland for a holiday since the pandemic began.

Ireland’s 25–34-year-olds are particularly eager to get flying, with 81% of that age group intending to travel abroad in the next 6 months.

With restrictions easing across Europe in recent months and consumer confidence in air travel returning, almost 2 in 5 (39%) adults in Ireland said they are most looking forward to exploring some new surroundings when they travel again, with 3 in 10 (30%) itching to try new cultures and cuisines. A quarter (24%) of those planning to travel soon are doing so just for a new experience.

See You Soon

According to the Aer Lingus research, of those 65% intending to fly abroad in the next 6 months, 17% will visit a Christmas Market and 31% will enjoy a city break. However, the majority of respondents (47%) will be reuniting with family and friends and 11% say they will travel to celebrate a missed milestone they couldn’t meaningfully mark during the pandemic.

September Offers

Aer Lingus has today launched Autumn Winter deals on over 1 million seats, with great fare offers to a variety of destinations, including Faro, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote for sun-seekers, Paris and Lisbon for city-breakers, Munich and Prague for Christmas markets and Geneva and Lyon for ski enthusiasts across the winter months.

Fly to Europe from €29.99 one-way, including all taxes and charges. Offers are valid for travel between 1st October 2021 and 17th February 2021

Commenting on the announcement and research findings, Chief Customer Officer, Susanne Carberry said:

“After a slow summer, we are thrilled to be welcoming customers back on board this winter, bringing them to the sun, offering much needed stress relief and reuniting families and friends. Our research clearly demonstrates that the Irish public is excited to travel again, and Aer Lingus is ready and waiting to make that happen, offering a safe, comfortable and enjoyable flight experience to Europe and beyond.

From the sunny Algarve to the magical Christmas markets sprinkled across mainland Europe, Aer Lingus has great offers on over 1million seats, with something to suit all families, couples, groups and solo travellers. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon.”

Should plans change, Aer Lingus customers can also be safe in the knowledge that the ‘Book with Confidence’ proposition remains in place until 31 December 2021, offering great flexibility to customers.

To book a winter break and for more information on the Aer Lingus, please visit aerlingus.com.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Research

Research conducted by 3Gem on behalf of Aer Lingus in September 2021 amongst a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults in Ireland aged 18+, 50% male and 50% female.

Fare Information

European fares quoted are one-way including taxes and charges. Fare offers to North America from just €149 each-way - North American fares quoted are each-way including taxes and charges as part of a return trip.

Book with Confidence Policy

Aer Lingus’ Book with Confidence policy allows all customers travelling with the airline to change their travel dates free of charge*, and as many times as they wish, up to two hours before they travel until. The flexible booking policy is available on all bookings up until 31st December 2021.

Most fares** also include the option to exchange for a guaranteed voucher up to 14 days before travel. In addition, those who booked Advantage, Flex, Business or Business Flex fares have the option of a cash refund if they decide not to travel.

*Please note a fare difference may apply.

** Fare types includes: Plus, Smart, Advantage, Flex, Business or Business Flex fare