Half of British holidaymakers hit by air delays

Nearly half of British holidaymakers have experienced flight delays in the last five years, according to survey findings released today. The research by Churchill Insurance found more than half of the delays 54% - were for longer than two hours. About 9% of the 1'000 people questioned were stuck at an airport for between six and twelve hours. Four per cent were delayed for between 12 and 24 hours, and an unlucky two per cent were grounded for more than twenty four hours. The survey also showed that having a chat is the most popular way to pass the time, followed by reading, eating, drinking and shopping. People from Northern England are those likeliest to chat to pass the time, while the Scots are most keen on reading. Welsh holidaymakers tend to eat and drink the most when waiting for flights. Young people aged 17 to 24 spend the most time in airport shops while women are nearly twice as likely as men to shop at airports. A survey conducted for airport car parking service BCP found that nearly half - 49% - of people were concerned about the reliability of public transport when getting to the airport.