Holiday Extras Press Office

Olympic flame isn’t setting the UK alight

Maxine — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:16:29 +0000

The Olympics are about to arrive in the UK...

95% of British people will be able to see the flame when it tours the UK…but do they care?

With the Olympic Torch arriving in the UK at the end of the week, a poll carried out by the country’s largest add-ons provider, HolidayExtras.com, has revealed that over a quarter (26%) of Brits have no interest in the Olympics at all.

Just 5% of those surveyed claimed they’d like to be a torch bearer and only a quarter (25%) plan to watch the ceremony marking the beginning of the Olympic Flame’s 70-day tour of the UK. Two-per cent of people admitted they didn’t even know about the Flame’s imminent arrival.

Forty-per cent of HolidayExtras.com customers said they were more interested in the Games themselves.

Anthony Clarke Cowell, Associate Merchandising Director at HolidayExtras.com, said: “People do seem to feel quite underwhelmed by the whole thing at the moment, but I expect as we get closer to the 18 May then excitement will build. And the whole country will be in a frenzy by the start of the Games in July.”

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Notes to editors

HolidayExtras.com polled 5,025 customers during February 2012.

3% of customers did not give an answer.

Lit in Greece, the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK on 18 May 2012. Representing peace, unity and friendship, the Flame will be carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers during the Olympic Torch Relay (19 May – 27 July 2012).

Torchbearers will carry the Flame through more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages in the UK.

We take the hassle, you take the holiday…

For more information contact
Helen.gillilan@holidayextras.com

01303 816 335

Holiday Extras is the UK number one for pre-booked airport hotels and airport parking, taking bookings for over 7 million travellers each year. Holiday Extras has been listed six times in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For and was awarded 45th place in 2012. A record-breaking 99.84% of customers are satisfied with Holiday Extras’ products and service.

The company offers a wide choice of holiday add-ons including UK airport parking, airport hotels, airport lounges and holiday insurance. For more information and to book please visit www.holidayextras.com

Families enjoy peace and privacy at the airport

Helen — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:47:34 +0000

Waiting to board the flight in comfort

Families looking to escape the airport bustle can now book three hours’ entry to Servisair lounges for a fixed price of £17.49 per adult, and £9.99 per child between the ages of 2 and 12. Infants aged 0 to 2 are free.

HolidayExtras.com offers Servisair lounges at all major UK airports including Birmingham, East Midlands, Gatwick, Heathrow, Liverpool and Manchester.

All lounges welcome children, and some of them have play areas to keep the little ones entertained. Meanwhile, parents can begin the holiday cheer by sipping drinks from the free bar, helping themselves to a selection of tasty treats or getting stuck into a newspaper or magazine.

Jason Hindle, head of commercial at HolidayExtras.com, said: “An airport lounge really does give you and your family the most relaxing start to your holiday, at very little extra cost. Chasing a toddler around departures or sitting down together in comfort, enjoying a coffee while the kids play? I know where I’d rather be.”

To book an airport lounge visit holidayextras.com or call 0800 1313 777

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Enjoy a taste of the high life…

Helen — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:10 +0000

The luxurious Sofitel at LHR T5

A night’s stay at the Heathrow Sofitel during the Olympics from £310 with HolidayExtras.com

Olympic-goers can add the finishing touches to a once-in-a-lifetime experience by booking an overnight stay at the luxury Sofitel London Heathrow with HolidayExtras.com.

This lavish five-star hotel has just scooped Best European Airport Hotel and was named the second best airport hotel in the world at the Skytrax awards. More than 300,000 travellers voted for the awards.

At the world-class Sofitel, guests have the choice of two restaurants, two bars, a tea salon, a hair salon and a state-of-the-art gym and health club. Plus, it’s connected to terminal 5 and minutes from check-in.

Those who want to make the occasion extra special can add a two-course meal their stopover, which is taken in the hotel’s live-cooking theatre restaurant, Vivre. Or book a soothing 30-minute treatment in its spa and relaxation centre. These upgrades are available through HolidayExtras.com when making a booking at the Heathrow Sofitel.
“The Sofitel at Heathrow is the most luxurious hotel in our range,” said Jason Hindle, Head of Commercial at HolidayExtras.com.

“Travellers who stay here can expect first-class treatment from start to finish – the perfect way to celebrate the start or end London 2012. Plus, if they book through HolidayExtras.com they can make a guaranteed saving on the original price.”

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Travellers can book the Heathrow T5 Sofitel by going to HolidayExtras.com or by calling 0800 093 5478.

Notes to editors
Olympic ticket holders who are flying in and out of Heathrow can get to and from the stadium via a coach service run by LOCOG. During the event, a service will run every hour from the Games Terminal and the stadium.

All hotels are covered by the HolidayExtras.com ‘Free If’ policy, which means if customers find the same product cheaper elsewhere, within 24 hours of making a booking, they will get their money refunded.

Sofitel Heathrow price is based on a search made on May 11 for July 28. This product is a non-flexible SuperSaver deal. Prices are subject to change and availability.

Chaos at the airport

Maxine — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:05:15 +0000

A chaotic summer is expected at the UK's airports

The majority of travellers (40%) don’t want to be held up for more than half an hour passing through check-in and airport security, according to the results of a new poll from travel add-ons specialist HolidayExtras.com.

The survey also reveals that a further 25% of holidaymakers are not happy to be kept waiting longer than 45 minutes. However, with security measures increasing in the lead up to the Olympics and staffing problems at major UK airports causing immigration disruption, Brits will have to prepare for the longest delays ever.

For nearly a quarter (22%) of those polled, security comes first and they don’t mind how long it takes; whilst an hour is the limit for 13% of HolidayExtras.com customers.

Andrea Clayton, Head of Insurance at HolidayExtras.com, said: “People might not want to be kept waiting, but unfortunately they don’t have much choice. The airport experience can be quite stressful at the moment, and with the Olympics approaching it doesn’t look like it’s going to get much better over the summer. It’s as important as ever to plan ahead and minimise the time you actually need to be at the airport.”

HolidayExtras.com offers a wide range of hassle-free travel add-ons, including airport lounges, airport hotel rooms and airport parking.

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Notes to editors

HolidayExtras.com polled 1,899 customers during April 2012.

We take the hassle, you take the holiday…

For more information contact
Helen.gillilan@holidayextras.com

01303 816 335

Holiday Extras’ Liz Hare survives on £1 a day for malaria charity

Helen — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:39:57 +0000

Liz Hare with school children in Uganda

Liz lives below the line to raise money and awareness for ‘Malaria No More UK’

Liz Hare, who works at the Hythe-based company, has spent the last five days living on porridge oats, rice, kidney beans, broccoli soup and eggs. Not for the fun of it – but to step into the shoes of 1.4 billion people worldwide who have no more than a pound a day to survive on.

Liz’ week of frugal living was inspired by a six-week volunteer trip to Uganda last summer. While helping in the east-African republic, Liz discovered the true scale of malaria and wanted to raise awareness of the disease, which claims 655,000 lives every year.

People from around and outside of the company supported Liz in her challenge. And so far, she has raised over £150 to donate to the charity close to her heart, Malaria No More UK.

Liz said: “I didn’t immediately recognise the huge challenge of changing my diet and living below the line. However, once I saw how little one pound can buy, I grasped just how hard it would be!

“We take such a lot for granted in our daily lives, and most of us have plenty to eat. The smaller portions, the lack of variety and the lack of nutrition was just a five-day choice for me – but for others, it’s an everyday reality.”

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Notes to editors

People can support Liz by going to https://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/elizabethhare

Liz took part in a six-week trip last September/October with www.volunteeruganda.org

Record bookings point to a fruitful June for the travel industry

Helen — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:27:23 +0000

Holiday Extras sees a 47% increase in airport parking bookings

On April 30, Holiday Extras took a record-breaking number of parking bookings through its award-winning website and UK-based contact centre.

The leading travel add-ons company saw a 47% increase in airport parking bookings compared to the same period last year, and a 6 per cent rise on its previous record day on April 3.

Holiday Extras’ sales boom is a positive sign for the travel industry. Demonstrating that the holiday is still high on people’s agenda in 2012. It appears that holidaymakers are heeding the advice to pre-book their airport parking space to save money.

Holiday Extras’ record booking day followed the Which? Travel report investigating airport parking prices.

The survey by the consumer watchdog found that those who book their parking in advance will always save.

Matthew Pack, CEO of Holiday Extras, commented: “Early figures show that the Olympics are not stopping people booking their holidays for this summer.

“Holidaymakers are fighting the mood of austerity, which is really positive news for the travel industry.”

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Keep calm and carry on

Maxine — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:28:33 +0000

Brits have no fears about Olympic security

Brits undaunted by security concerns as Exercise Olympic Guardian begins

A massive 37% of Brits believe that the Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure their safety during the Olympics, a new poll by HolidayExtras.com has revealed.

As details of the latest Olympic security exercise are announced, the UK’s market-leading travel add-ons company has found that a further 19% haven’t given the issue any serious thought. And 28% of customers state that they have no concerns as they do not live close to any of the Olympic venues.

However, 11% of Brits admit to being ‘really worried about a possible terrorist attack’.

Anthony Clarke Cowell, Associate Merchandising Director at HolidayExtras.com, said: “This is costing the country an astonishing amount of money so let’s hope they’ve got security under control. Most people are looking forward to the Olympics coming to Britain, but naturally there’s a bit of worry surrounding such a huge international event.”

Exercise Olympic Guardian is being held on land, sea and air in London and Weymouth between 2 and 10 May. A simulated terror attack involving more than 2,000 people was carried out on London Underground in February to test security ahead of the Games. During an earlier security test, sniffer dogs failed to detect 20 kilos of explosives at the Olympic site in Stratford, East London.

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Notes to editors

HolidayExtras.com polled 5,025 customers during February 2012.

5% of customers did not give an answer.

The cost of security for the Olympics rocketed from initial estimates of £282 million to a staggering £553 million.

We take the hassle, you take the holiday…

For more information contact
Helen.gillilan@holidayextras.com

01303 816 335

Holiday Extras’ Star Wars-themed fundraiser

Helen — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:10:20 +0000

Intergalactic force collects £264 for cancer and local hospices

May the 4th be with you

HolidayExtras.com HQ was taken over by the Galactic Empire today in a bid to raise cash for Cancer Research UK and the Pilgrims Hospices.

The Star Wars-themed fundraiser, ‘May the 4th be with you’, saw the Holiday Extras team dress as their favourite characters from the films. Those who didn’t venture forth were fined £1.

The HolidayExtras.com Charity Team also organised face-painting, a Star Wars-themed quiz and a bake-sale of Star Wars-themed cakes, which all helped to raise a grand total of £264.

Matthew Paxton, COO at HolidayExtras.com, commented: “The force was definitely with us today – we’ve raised an impressive amount for two worthwhile causes.

“It’s been a really fun day and there seems to be a lot of Star Wars fans who’ve crept out of the woodwork … or should I say, the galaxy.”

Too fat to fly?

Maxine — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:29:37 +0000

The world is getting fatter

Air passengers call for excess body weight to be taxed

When it comes to excess weight on a plane, Brits think we should all pay
our fair share, and with body weight affecting fuel consumption in the
same way as excess baggage, it’s not surprising travellers want a ‘fat tax’.

In a new poll from leading travel add-ons provider, HolidayExtras.com,
nearly half of the people asked (48%) felt that overweight passengers
should be charged extra to board their flight. Men in particular think that
those carrying excessive body weight should pay the price, with 51% of
men in favour of additional charges compared to 43% of women.

James Lewis, Head of Online Partnerships at HolidayExtras.com,
said: “The world is getting fatter – and this is becoming a big issue. Being
an overweight passenger affects your travelling companions, physically
and financially. If we have to pay extra for excess baggage, it’s only fair
that we pay extra for excessive body weight.

“Sitting next to an obese person on a plane can sometimes reduce the
space that you have to relax, so maybe airlines should offer some of the
revenue from the additional ticket cost to the person sitting next to the
fat person too.”

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Notes to editors

HolidayExtras.com polled 3,564 customers during March 2012.

We take the hassle, you take the holiday…

For more information contact
Helen.gillilan@holidayextras.com

01303 816 335

Booking ahead is the best strategy for holidaymakers

Helen — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Holiday parking

HolidayExtras.com offers keen prices for airport parking in advance

For drivers who are heading to the airport on holiday, the watchword when it comes to airport parking is to pre-book. And with savings of up to 60% for on airport and off airport parking spaces, as well as the premium Meet and Greet services, HolidayExtras.com urges travellers to heed this maxim.

Some of the cheapest prices are available in the form of Special Advance rates and the savings are substantial. * At Heathrow the Long Stay Supersaver saves over six pounds off the standard HolidayExtras.com advanced booking rate.

Parking off airport is a great way to save money and for many the transfers take very little extra time to get to the airport and to check-in. Airparks, who provide airport parking at eight popular UK airports, have some very good prices across the board – At Luton they have secured parking for £54.99 – That’s £10.50 less than the on-airport Long Term parking option.

For family travellers, who have a lot of luggage and who are searching for the most hassle-free parking on offer, most airports have a Meet and Greet service to book in advance with HolidayExtras.com. At Gatwick, Maple Manor has a Meet and Great plus car cleaning option for £84.89.

Matthew Pack CEO at HolidayExtras.com commented: “There’s no doubt that we are all looking to save money and the trick is to do so without a drop in the quality of service that we, quite rightly, expect.

“We have some very good prices for UK airport parking for our customers who book in advance, all backed up by our best price guarantee and nearly thirty years of helping to keep the UK holiday travellers’ journey hassle-free”

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Notes to editors
All prices are based eight days’ parking – searched on April 25 for a stay on June 2 – 9, 2012 – The beginning of the next half-term holiday.

* Special Super Saver & Advance rates cannot be amended or cancelled once booked.

All prices are subject to change and availability.

We take the hassle, you take the holiday…

For more information contact

helen.gillilan@holidayextras.com

01303 816 335