March 27th, 2024, Clifton Mark
In 2023, a third of UK air passengers faced delays or cancellations, and 2024 may not be any better. Several airlines have faced problems with aircraft being unavailable, and Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary recently warned of fewer flights and a “higher fare environment across Europe.” How are Britons responding to travel troubles on the horizon?
The majority (63%) still plan on taking some form of leisure travel this summer, with 40% having already booked it. There are some differences between age groups. More Britons aged 18-29 say that they haven’t yet booked any travel but plan to do so soon than average (31% vs. 23%) whereas Britons aged 51 and older are more likely to say they do not plan to travel this summer (39% vs 33%).
Those who do plan to travel seem show concern overpotential disruptions. Roughly one in five (21%) say they’re concerned about a flight being cancelled this year, while 76% say they’re not concerned.
It may be because of this that many plan to take out travel insurance. Of all Britons who plan to travel this summer, 64% plan to buy insurance against cancellations or delays. There are also big differences between age groups here. Less than half (45%) of potential travellers aged 18-29 plan on buying insurance compared to 71% of those 51 or older. The middle age group of 30-50 years old are about average, with 67% planning to insure their travel.
The survey also asked how travellers will fund their summer holidays. While most Britons aged 30 or older plan to pay by credit card, only 23% of 18-29 group will do the same. For younger Britons, debit cards are much more popular. Among 18-29-year-olds, 70% plan to pay by debit compared to 55% of 30-50-year-olds and only 44% of those 51+. Younger Britons are also much more likely than the general population to say that someone else is paying for their travel (13% vs. 4%).
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Methodology: YouGov polled 1000 adults in Great Britain online on March 20-21, 2024. The survey was carried out through YouGov Surveys: Self-serve. Data is weighted by age, gender, education level, region, and social grade. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Self-serve.