Airlines make bank holiday predictions

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have announced which destinations they believe will be most popular over the bank holiday weekend.

According to British Airways, Scotland is set to receive 20,000 visitors between August 24th and 27th, with Glasgow and Edinburgh predicted to be the most favoured destinations.

The airline said that short-haul flights across the UK will be generally be popular with holidaymakers, despite the recent flooding, although it stated New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong are likely to top the list of long-haul destinations.

Dean Yardley, general manager of UK short-haul sales for British Airways, commented: "This bank holiday, the UK becomes a celebration of our diversity, offering family days out, parades and festivals to cater for all."

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic has placed its bets on long-haul destinations coming out on top over the long weekend, citing the current unpredictability of the British weather as one of the main reasons for Britons choosing to jet off overseas rather than stay at home.

It expects to see a 25 per cent surge in passenger traffic over the period, with the likes of San Francisco, Johannesburg and Dubai set to see their fair share of British tourists, the carrier said.

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