Collinson International, a globally recognized leader in airport experiences, loyalty programs, and travel engagement solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong). The collaboration will introduce SmartDelay™, a benefit designed to ease travel disruptions by offering airport lounge access and alternative services to travelers facing flight delays or cancellations.

With international travel recovering rapidly, disruptions have become increasingly frequent. Industry data indicated that 33 million travelers in the Asia-Pacific region experienced flight delays exceeding one hour in the past year alone. Additionally, Collinson’s Fear of Switching Off (FOSO) study revealed that 60% of Asia-Pacific travelers struggled to fully relax when encountering flight-related issues. Recognizing these concerns, this partnership aims to enhance travel comfort by allowing eligible China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong) customers to enjoy seamless solutions when their flights are delayed.

Why This Partnership Matters for Global Travelers

Flight delays and cancellations remain one of the biggest concerns for modern travelers, causing stress, uncertainty, and additional expenses. This partnership between Collinson International and China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong) directly addresses these challenges by:

• Granting instant access to over 1,600 airport lounges across 145 countries through the SmartDelay™ program.
• Providing alternative benefits such as spa experiences, sleep pods, or restaurant discounts, allowing travelers to make the most of their wait time.
• Eliminating the need for lengthy claims processes, as eligible passengers receive QR codes granting access to services as soon as a flight is delayed beyond an hour.

These enhancements are expected to transform airport experiences for travelers, allowing them to relax, refresh, and continue their journey with ease.

The Impact on the Travel Industry

This collaboration is poised to redefine travel insurance offerings, setting a new standard for flight disruption management and traveler convenience. Industry experts believe that:

• More travel insurers and airline partners will integrate similar real-time travel benefits, responding to growing customer expectations.
• Business travelers and frequent flyers will be more likely to choose insurance providers offering such perks, leading to a shift in consumer preferences.
• Airport lounges will see an increase in traffic from insured travelers, influencing how premium airport services are structured worldwide.

For airports and travel hubs, this means a greater emphasis on lounge infrastructure, alternative relaxation services, and enhanced customer engagement.

How SmartDelay™ Works for Travelers

Eligible China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong) customers can benefit from SmartDelay™ when they:

1. Purchase any of the three tiers of travel insurance from China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong).
2. Register their flight at least two hours before departure through the insurance provider.
3. Receive a QR code upon confirmation of a flight delay of over one hour or cancellation, granting access to a lounge or an alternative service.
4. Enjoy complimentary access for one additional travel companion, ensuring comfort for both the policyholder and their guest.

This hassle-free approach eliminates the traditional process of filing insurance claims for travel disruptions, allowing passengers to immediately enjoy premium benefits when they need them most.

A Future of Seamless Travel Experiences

Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific Executive Chair at Collinson International, emphasized the growing need for stress-free travel solutions. He noted that as post-pandemic travel demand surges, airports have become increasingly crowded, making lounge access and alternative relaxation options more valuable than ever. By offering a seamless and accessible way to manage travel disruptions, SmartDelay™ allows brands to support their customers in real-time, elevating the overall airport experience.

Hugo Yeung, Deputy General Manager at China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong), highlighted the company’s commitment to providing top-tier protection and benefits for travelers. He explained that this initiative reinforces their vision of becoming a trusted insurance partner, ensuring that customers can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

What This Means for Travelers Globally

The travel industry is evolving rapidly, with personalization and convenience emerging as key trends. This collaboration sets a precedent for integrating insurance with real-time travel solutions, allowing travelers to:

• Enjoy greater flexibility and peace of mind, knowing that disruptions will be handled efficiently.
• Experience airport lounges and premium facilities, even without purchasing a first-class ticket.
• Choose from a variety of travel benefits, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Collinson International: A Leader in Airport Experiences

As the operator of Priority Pass, Collinson International has a longstanding reputation for enhancing the airport journey. With a network spanning 1,700+ lounges and travel experiences in 725 airports across 145 countries, the company is known for delivering premium travel solutions to global passengers.

Beyond lounge access, Collinson International continues to innovate by offering travel loyalty programs, insurance benefits, and customer engagement strategies that improve the airport experience worldwide.

How to Access the SmartDelay™ Benefit

Travelers interested in learning more about SmartDelay™ and eligibility requirements can visit China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong)’s official website for further details. Collinson International’s Priority Pass website also provides insights into global lounge access and airport experiences available to insured travelers.

For travelers who frequently experience flight delays, enrolling in a travel insurance plan with SmartDelay™ benefits may be an essential upgrade to their travel strategy.

The Future of Stress-Free Travel

As international travel continues to grow, innovations like SmartDelay™ will play a crucial role in enhancing passenger experiences, making airports more accommodating and travel disruptions less stressful.

This partnership between Collinson International and China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong) marks a new era in travel insurance, where convenience, comfort, and real-time solutions are prioritized. The future of travel is not just about reaching a destination—it’s about ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey along the way.