One Vasco will offer SmartDelay both as a service that can be purchased directly and as a complimentary benefit for customers who opt for the company’s VIP/Lounge offering. To avail of the service, customers simply register their flight details in advance on the dedicated SmartDelay portal. In the event of a flight delay of more than 60 minutes, they will receive an e-voucher entitling them to airport lounge access at their departure airport. Should a lounge not be available, customers will instead receive a $25 cash benefit offering customers instant gratification in times of need.

The service will initially be offered to One Vasco customers in the Middle East with a view to an eventual roll across the One Vasco global network. Collinson and One Vasco are introducing the service to coincide with the resumption of international travel as COVID-19 restrictions on personal movement and travel are relaxed.

Priyanka Lakhani, Commercial Director Middle East and Africa and Director South Asia at Collinson, said: “Collinson works with our partners to offer their customers the best possible travel experience and is committed to delivering solutions that support getting the world safely travelling again. We understand that the first step will be to rebuild travellers’ confidence. Now more than ever, travellers will be looking for solutions that help make their journey safe and comfortable and provide them with peace of mind. Recent Collinson research, found that an overwhelming 71% of frequent flyers surveyed in the Middle East were ready to return to travel either immediately or within the next 3-6 months, and 73% said they would willing to pay for lounge access as long as the facilities meet the stipulated health and safety regulations and distancing criteria. The timing could not be better for One Vasco to provide this value-added flight delay assistance service to their customers ensuring they can enjoy the safest and most comfortable airport experience should their departure be delayed.”

Mahesh Anchan, Chief Operating Officer-One Vasco, added. “As a provider of end-to-end travel services, One Vasco always strives to differentiate its offering and provide the most comfortable experience possible for its customers. From handling visa application services and bookings, through to the provision of currency and telecoms services at your destination, we help take the paperwork and stress out of travel. SmartDelay flight delay assistance is a service that we believe travellers will greatly appreciate, particularly now when space and comfort in the airport, should their flight be delayed, will be a high priority.