Where do broken hearts go?
Overseas.
That’s according to Virgin Atlantic Airways who said in a press release that research shows that escaping from the agonies of a failed romance is becoming one of the fastest growing reasons to fly overseas.
The research shows that nearly ten per cent of all passengers aboard long haul flights are jetting off to help repair a broken heart.
So common is the trend that travel experts have now given the group its very own name – Elvis Passengers, because they’re flying off to a Heartbreak Hotel.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said “There’s nothing like getting on board an aircraft to leave emotional baggage behind. Jetting off on a holiday is now regarded as the perfect remedy for thousands of disappointed lovers every year.”
The findings emerged during recent Virgin Atlantic customer research into passenger flying habits across all its 32 destinations.
Top of the list for getting over a broken heart during the British summer is St Lucia. Over 60 per cent of “Elvis Passengers” choose the intoxicating mix of sun, sea and scenery to help wash their former lovers out of their hair. Antigua is the next favourite destination, followed by Jamaica and Las Vegas. However, for lovers who break up during the British winter, Barbados becomes the top Caribbean destination.
The airline stated that “The sheer ease of air travel has changed the definition of ‘Getting Away From It All’. Today, they book a flight, grab their passport, and head to the airport as a matter of course. As well as putting as much distance between themselves and their former partner, many regard long haul travel as a sign of defiance. Jetting off on a luxury break is a great way to show an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend that you have, quite literally, moved on”.
However Virgin Atlantic’s research shows that Elvis Passengers derive additional benefits from overseas travel. Over 28 per cent find a new romance during their stay overseas, out of which seven percent of new romances lead to a long term relationship.
