LONDON, October 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

As many families get ready to jet off for a few days over half term, Columbus Direct has announced that it will reduce the threshold for its airport delay benefit to just one hour instead of the usual two hours during the half-term break.

The benefit, which is complementary to Columbus customers as part of its travel insurance, will provide customers who experience an announced flight delay of an hour or longer with complementary access to one of 500 independent airport lounges in over 100 countries.  

Columbus launched the benefit over the summer and the reduced qualification period for announced flight delays will be effective from October 24^th -31^st inclusive.

All customers have to do is register details of their outbound and return flights with Columbus (which must be submitted at least 24 hours before each respective flight departs). Should there be an announced flight delay of an hour or more then customers, and up to four guests, will gain automatic access to a lounge using a single-use electronic barcode. 

In addition, for families travelling through Gatwick's South Terminal who may not have got around to buying travel insurance prior to their trip, Columbus' self-service kiosks - where customers can buy travel insurance at the airport for the same price as online rates - present the perfect solution.

Alison Wild, Head of Travel at Columbus Direct said: "Preparing for a holiday can often be a frantic time for families and so any delays at the airport and missing out on holiday time is frustrating for customers. Although travel insurance can cover certain aspects of travel delays after the event, we hope that being able to escape to a lounge can deliver more immediate compensation for families if they're stranded at the airport due to delays. Furthermore we hope that the availability of our insurance kiosks - which have already been very well received - offer customers some extra time to arrange that all-important cover so that they can enjoy their holidays with peace of mind. "

Notes to editors 

Columbus Direct is a leading travel insurance specialist which was established in 1988 selling both online via http://www.columbusdirect.com and offline via call centre channels. We have a history of innovation in the industry, including being the first company to sell travel insurance direct to the consumer in the UK and also the first to fully sell a policy online. 

Customer satisfaction and value for money are the driving forces behind Columbus Direct and we pride ourselves on providing a quick, efficient and hassle-free service.

We have covered over 15 million holidaymakers since 1988 and our latest customer surveys show that over 95% of customers would recommend us to their friends and family.

Columbus has won multiple awards including Best Online Travel Insurance Provider in the Your Money awards 2014 and 2012, ITIJ Travel Insurance Intermediary of the year 2013, 2012 and 2010, 13 Which? Best Buy awards, The Best Customer Focus Award from the Best Business awards, and also the Best Travel Insurance Provider award from the Personal Finance Awards 2011 and 2012.

Columbus Direct is a specialist travel insurance intermediary which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.  

SOURCE Columbus Direct