January 14, 2022

According to search data from Aer Lingus consumer confidence in travel is on the up for 2022

• Lanzarote, Alicante, and Faro revealed as European holiday maker favourites
• Take to the Slopes: Uplift in searches for Munich (90%) and Geneva (65%)
• Increased interest in European city break spots (Venice 81% and Madrid 70%)
• Searches for city break locations across the UK also increased (London 70%, Glasgow 72%, Birmingham 69%, and Edinburgh 63%)
• Interest in travel to the USA has also seen an increase since the easing of restrictions
• Aer Lingus January Seat Sale on flights to Europe and the US runs until midnight on Tuesday 18^th January

 

Dublin, 14 January 2022 –Aer Lingus has today revealed data that indicates an increase in consumer confidence in travel since the easing of travel restrictions last week. The information highlights consumer interest in various destinations from city breaks across Europe and the UK, ski trips, sunshine as well as an appetite to travel to the US. The data has been gathered by analysing web searches and conversion rates on the days before the lifting of restrictions and comparing them to the figures on the days after the announcement.

There has never been a better time to take 2022 to new heights (and sights) as the Aer Lingus January Seat Sale continues until midnight on Tuesday 18^th January with 2 million seats on sale including up to 20% off European and UK* travel as well as flights to North America from just €169 each way as part of a return trip.

According to the data, firm favourites, Alicante, Lanzarote and Faro were revealed as the destinations of most interest to Irish holiday makers looking to enjoy some sun, sand, and sea. Ski enthusiasts have also been in search of the perfect slope spot with an uplift in searches for Munich and Geneva - 90% and 65% respectively. European city breaks are also on the up with an 81% increase in searches for Venice and a 70% increase in searches for Madrid.

 As well as this, Aer Lingus customers are also looking to take shorter trips across the Irish sea to the UK with the number of searches for UK destinations up across the board to cities like Birmingham (69%), London (70%), Glasgow (72%) and Edinburgh (63%). Irish consumers are also keen to travel stateside with searches to US cities such as New York, Boston, and Chicago all up compared to the days prior to the lifting of restrictions.

Bill Byrne, Director of Global Sales said;

“Without doubt, travel is back for 2022. Following the lifting of travel restrictions for double-vaccinated travellers, we have seen a strong uplift in activity on aerlingus.com. Consumer confidence in travel is returning – it seems that most people are ready for a holiday abroad. With over 2 million seats on sale at AerLingus.com, now is the perfect time to plan a springtime getaway either to Europe or to the United States.” 

Aer Lingus January Seat Sale fares to Europe, the UK and North America are valid for travel from 01 February to 31 May 2022. All offers are subject to conditions and availability and all fares include taxes and charges. Book by midnight 18 January 2022. Terms and conditions apply.

Aer Lingus’ market-leading ‘Book with Confidence’ policy** allows customers change flights as many times as they like, should plans change, giving customers peace of mind when booking.

To make travel easier, Aer Lingus has partnered with VeriFLY. By downloading the VeriFLY app and uploading Covid-19 related documentation required for their destination, Aer Lingus customers can ensure that all of their Covid-19 related documentation is verified before travel.

For more information on the Aer Lingus January Seat Sale, please visit www.aerlingus.com.

- Ends-

Notes to Editors

Data based on web searches and attachment rates on aerlingus.com between the period before testing restrictions lifted (30^th December – 3^rd January) versus the period following the announcement of testing restrictions listed (6^th January – 10^th January).

 

*January Sale UK Routes

Dublin – Birmingham

Dublin – London Gatwick

Dublin – London Heathrow

Dublin – Manchester

Knock – London Gatwick

Cork – London Heathrow

Shannon – London Heathrow

Dublin – Edinburgh (up to 27 March)

Dublin – Bristol (up to 27 March)

Dublin – Glasgow (up to 17 March)

 

**Aer Lingus Book with Confidence Policy

Aer Lingus has extended its ‘Book with Confidence’ policy which allows all customers travelling with the airline to change their travel dates free of charge (note: a fare difference may apply) and as many times as they wish.

• For travel between now and end January 2022 customers can change bookings up until 2 hours before check-in
• For travel after 31 January to 30 September 2022– existing policy of change up to 7 days prior to travel date will apply

The flexible booking policy is available on all bookings up until 30th September 2022. 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.