Walking away from your problems is one thing, but up to ten percent of Virgin Atlantic’s long-haul passengers said they were travelling flying far, far away to escape a broken heart.

According to the airline the trend of travellers jetting off to repair their heart is becoming so common that travel experts have coined a title for the group; Elvis Passengers, because they’re flying off in search of their Heartbreak Hotel.

The study found that broken down Brits escaping during the colder months opted to visit sunny spots including; Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong, Miami and Barbados.

While heartbroken people escaping during the warmer UK months preferred to head for St Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica and Las Vegas.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson explained the simpler methods of booking a vacation have changed the meaning of “Getting Away From It All”.

“Fifty years ago, broken hearts in Britain used to stay in the UK, catching trains to London, Brighton or Bognor to take their minds off a broken love affair,” the spokesperson said.

“Today, they book a flight, grab their passport, and head to the airport as a matter of course.”

As well as escaping emotional baggage, the spokesperson added that many see long-haul trips as a “sign of defiance”.  

“Jetting off on a luxury break is a great way to show an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend that you have, quite literally, moved on.”

Virgin Atlantic research also found that up to 28 percent of Elvis Passenger find new love on their escape, with seven percent the new affairs leading to long term commitments.

Have you ever jetted off to escape a broken heart?