Brits 'big holiday spenders'

While many people are cutting back on luxuries at home in a bid to beat the credit crunch, it seems that once at the airport, all good intentions are somewhat forgotten.

New research carried out by Co-operative Bank Credit Cards has revealed that the average person will spend £18 at the airport before they even set foot on the plane - that amounts to £72 for the average family.

Some 84 per cent of people say they purchase food and drink at the airport, while 60 per cent treat themselves to books and magazines and 35 per cent go for duty-free.

However, many Britons may be burying their head in the sand when it comes to paying for their holidays - 77 per cent of people said they plan to pay for at least part of it on their credit cards.

Maxine Xodo, product manager for credit cards at the Co-operative Bank, said: "The findings clearly show that despite the current economic climate, after working hard all year many people are reluctant to cut back on their summer holiday spending."

Earlier this month, research from CreditExpert.co.uk found that one in five people are choosing to share a holiday with family and friends in order to save money, rather than having to scrap their break altogether.