Travellers 'treat themselves for special occasions'

Christmas travellers tend to treat themselves at Christmas and on special occasions, a spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic has said.

Anna Knowles said that airline passengers will treat themselves to a first class seat at Christmas to see their friends and family around the world.

They are even more likely to do so when it comes to milestone birthdays, wedding anniversaries and honeymoons.

"Our upper class cabin on our new Mauritius route is filled with honeymooners who are willing to splash out on the luxury experience to mark their special occasion," said Ms Knowles.

According to Travelmole, a growing number of holidaymakers are expected to travel in comfort and airliners will respond to this by reducing the number of economy seats.

In fact US carrier United Airlines is spending $156 million (£75 million) on business class seats for its 97 jetliners.

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