A new survey shows flight delays don’t just cut into Irish people’s holiday schedule, but their budget too, as passengers head for cafes and bars to pass the time.
The research, commissioned by travel insurance provider Multitrip.com and carried out by Opinium* consulted 1,000 holidaymakers and found that among those who had experienced a flight delay:
- 46% of people spent time in a cafe, bar or restaurant while they waited
- 41% bought extra snacks or refreshments
- 26% of people said they used the time productively, for example by working, reading or catching up on messages
- 20% felt excited about having extra time to explore the airport shops or lounges
- 15% explored the airport’s spa, lounge or premium facilities during their delay
- Only 10% of people purchased insurance specifically to cover potential flight delays
One-fifth (20%) of respondents confirmed that when their flight was delayed, they checked to see whether their travel insurance offered real-time flight delay coverage. This benefit, offered by some providers, grants passengers an instant benefit, such as access to an airport lounge, once their flight has been delayed for a specific number of hours.
Multitrip.com has introduced this benefit for Premier and Premier Plus policy holders. Customers who register their flight in advance will receive lounge access or €30 instantly transferred when the lounge is unavailable, if they are hit with a flight delay of three hours or more.
MD of Multitrip.com Jason Whelan says this can help make an additional wait easier to manage: “Flight delays don’t just test holidaymakers’ patience; they also hit their pockets. Real-time flight delay benefits help change that dynamic by offering immediate support at the airport, so customers can stay comfortable without feeling pressured into unplanned spending.”
Full details of all Multitrip.com benefits can be found here.
*Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 people who go on holiday abroad at least once a year, from 27th March - 1st April 2026
