Students Bag the Travel Bug with Bank Of Ireland’s 20,000 Free European Flights

Students Bag the Travel Bug with Bank Of Ireland’s 20,000 Free European Flights. Recession-Proofing Student Travel Dreams.

Bank of Ireland today, 5th August 2009, announced details of this year’s offer for new third level student customers. Up for grabs are 20,000 free European flight vouchers that will see students flying off from Dublin or Cork to Paris, Milan, London, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Stockholm, Frankfurt, Berlin or Brussels. The voucher covers all taxes and charges, and any student opening or upgrading an account before the 16th October 2009 is eligible for this offer.

Recent research shows that students continue to have a huge interest in travelling, with nearly half of them saying they intend to travel this summer. Europe is still the top destination amongst students at 65% and with nine European destinations on offer, Bank of Ireland’s flight offer is sure to be hugely popular with this audience. Nearly 30% of students will leave home for one to three months, and a quarter of respondents say they intend to work while abroad.

When it comes to paying for their summer travels, students are using a variety of finance options, with over half funding their travel from personal savings and part-time work. Parental support continues to be a big enabler for student travel, with 35% saying they will receive financial support to help them on their way.

Speaking at the launch, Antoinette Golden, Manager, Day-to-Day Banking, Bank of Ireland said “We are delighted to announce the return of our free European flights promotion for 2009. In the last two years alone, we have provided 40,000 free flights to students, with Paris and Milan the favourite destinations. Additionally, we will provide thousands of new students with a tailored student banking package that includes free day-to-day banking transactions, interest free travel loans and quality banking services designed to meet their financial needs”.

The research also shows that students are aware of the effects of the recession, with 63% of them expecting their living standards to decrease over the next year, and the majority finding it difficult to obtain part-time employment in the current environment. However, they remain an optimistic group, and many are confident that employment prospects will have improved by the time they graduate.

Bank of Ireland’s 3rd level student-banking package for 2009/10 also offers:

  • Free day-to-day banking transactions
  • Student Credit Card at just 15.5% APR for purchases and a 0% APR introductory offer for the first 6 months
  • Laser card for paying for goods and accessing cash worldwide
  • 9-Month Interest-Free Travel Loan
  • 9-Month Interest-Free Grant Advance Overdraft

Details of European Free Flight Offer:

  • Open or upgrade to a Bank of Ireland 3rd level student current account between 17th August 2009 and 16th October 2009 to qualify
  • Lodge a minimum €5
  • Use your account 5 times in October and November
  • The voucher entitles the bearer to enjoy an economy class return flight to one of the following cities – Paris, Milan, London, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Stockholm, Frankfurt, Berlin or Brussels
  • The voucher includes airport taxes and charges
  • Bring a friend for €99 excluding taxes and handling fees
  • Travel must be completed by 31st March 2011

Full Terms and Conditions available at www.bankofireland.ie

Note to editor:

Research was conducted by W5 in April 2009. Sample size of 2135 respondents, male and female, all full time undergraduates.

ENDS 5th August 2009

For further information contact:

Mary Brennan
Group Communications
Bank of Ireland
Tel: 01 604 3838

Martin Robinson
Day-to-Day Banking
Bank of Ireland
Tel: 01 617 6541