January pay cheque to fuel travel in 2026 with Aer Lingus Pay Day Sale

Over a third of Irish consumers will use their January pay cheque to book a holiday.

72% of Irish consumers want to learn a new skill on a holiday in 2026, such as a language, cooking or dance.

Aer Lingus’ Pay Day Sale is offering up to €40 off bags & fares to destinations in Europe.

More than one third (36%) of Irish adults intend to use their first pay cheque of 2026 to book a holiday, according to new research from Aer Lingus*. Escaping the Irish weather is a top priority for holidaymakers, with sunnier spots like Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands top of the agenda.

To support those plans, Aer Lingus has launched the Pay Day Sale, with up to €40 off bags and fares for European destinations, valid for travel between 23rd February and 31st May.

As January comes to an end and Irish holidaymakers make travel plans for 2026, the motivations for travel are evolving from simple relaxation to personal development. 72% of Irish holidaymakers are looking to learn a new skill on their travels.

• 25% express a desire to learn a new language
• 23% are eager to turn their travels into a culinary adventure
• 23% want to enhance their photography skills
• 15% are ready to find their rhythm in a dance class

Whether it’s a cookery class in Rome or a dance workshop in Seville, Aer Lingus’ Pay Day Sale makes these “skill-cations” more accessible, allowing travellers to invest in the unique cultural experiences they are eager to master.

Pay Day Sale

Aer Lingus’ Pay Day Sale includes up to €40 off bags & fares for flights to Europe, including destinations such as Spain, with travel from the 23^rd of February to the 31^st of May.

To secure the best fares, flights must be booked before midnight on the 30th of January, with offers applying to flights booked seven days or more before travel.

Full details of the Pay Day Sale are available at www.aerlingus.com.

*Research conducted by 3Gem Media Group via a survey of 1,000 adults aged 18+ in the Republic of Ireland, December 2025. Comparative data based on Aer Lingus research conducted by 3Gem in December 2024.