Agents report pick-up in demand aided by no-surcharge guarantees

By Juliet Dennis and Ian Taylor

 

Travel businesses reported a pick-up in demand this week, with the US-Iran war no longer the top item on every news bulletin, but customers seeking reassurance that their holidays will go ahead and not be subject to surcharges.

Jet2 led the way in ruling out surcharges at the end of last week and was quickly followed by easyJet holidays and Tui.

Steve Heapy, Jet2 chief executive, noted “speculation that some airlines and travel companies may introduce surcharges” and insisted: “Holidaymakers can have complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2 that they’re locking in their price.”

EasyJet holidays swiftly followed, with chief executive Garry Wilson declaring customers could have “absolute peace of mind that no surcharges will be added to flights or package holidays” and holidays would “go ahead as planned”.

Tui UK and Ireland managing director Neil Swanson likewise pledged customers “can be reassured their holiday price is fixed, with no fuel surcharges”.

Abta also sought to reassure consumers with its advice on ‘What the jet fuel headlines mean for your trip’ proving the most-popular page on its website alongside the ‘member search’ and home pages.

 

It noted: “There is a lot in the news about jet fuel prices, the availability of jet fuel and what this may mean for holidays. We don’t want people to worry about their upcoming holiday – travel is still going ahead.

“UK airlines are currently not seeing disruption to jet fuel supply because the UK sources fuel from a diverse range of places.

“Some European airlines have been reducing flights to some destinations, but where they have multiple flights to the same place on the same day. This is a small proportion of flights.”

Abta also shared information across Instagram and Facebook and through a TikTok video. 

Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Holidaymakers are getting away. Airline bodies are not currently seeing disruption to fuel supply [and] UK holidaymakers can take confidence from the strong protections in place.”

 

Graeme Buck, Abta director of communications, said: “Members are getting questions from customers about what the availability of fuel and possible rising prices will mean for their holidays or future plans, particularly following updates from some European airlines about changes to flights.”

 

Buck added: “In times of uncertainty, Abta has an important role to support members and customers by providing clarity on what is happening and what it means for holidaymakers.

 

“We’re stressing that holidays are happening, and those who are due to travel or looking to book a holiday can take confidence from the strong protections in place and the benefits of booking with an Abta member.”

Advantage Travel Partnership head of business development David Moon reported member feedback “suggests trading improved in the last week, with some reporting their strongest week since early March”. But he said: “The coverage concerning fuel shortages is impacting confidence and the prospect of surcharges adds uncertainty.”

Fred Olsen Travel retail director Paul Hardwick reported “strong growth last week against the same week last year” but agreed: “The war is definitely having an impact on consumer confidence. We’re seeing lots of queries about existing bookings through the Middle East.”

However, he said: “The news from the big operators on not adding supplements had an immediate positive impact, with a surge across our retail business.”

The Travel Network Group commercial director Katharina Peck also reported trading “up week on week” last week, and “average booking values up 15%-30% year on year”.

She noted: “Demand hasn’t softened and cancellations aren’t rising. Instead, customers are locking in prices amid concerns around jet fuel and future price rises.

“We’re seeing more questions around amendments and reassurance as balance payments approach.”

 

But no-fly specialist Byway reported that ongoing flight disruptions and rising travel costs are making conventional holidays feel less viable unless there is a practical no-fly alternative for some travellers.

 

Founder and chief executive Cat Jones said: “We’ve seen strong and growing demand for flight-free travel, particularly in the past month, as news of flight cancellations and wider aviation disruption continue.

 

“Last-minute bookings are up 85% compared with the same period last year; 14% of those who’d previously have flown if they hadn’t booked with us are now reporting that they’d have stayed home instead and many inbound emails are from travellers looking to holiday fight-free options after losing confidence in short-haul air travel. 

 

“Looking ahead to summer, we expect continued disruption in aviation and rising flight costs to further accelerate interest in rail, ferry, and multi-modal travel, with travellers prioritising ground transport, reliability, and a less chaotic travel experience.”