Airlines and Travel Companies Confirm No Surcharges Despite Rising Fuel Costs
With the ongoing jet fuel crisis causing a rapid increase in flight costs, several airlines and travel companies have confirmed they will not be introducing surcharges to cover these rising expenses. This decision has been welcomed by travelers who were concerned about potential additional charges after booking their flights or holidays.
Jet2 has recently announced that it will not implement any surcharges on booked flights or holidays, ensuring that customers pay the price they see at the time of booking. This move comes as a relief to many travelers, as there had been speculation that some airlines might introduce such fees to offset the rising costs. A surcharge would mean that customers could face unexpected additional costs after making a booking. However, Jet2 has now removed the surcharge provision across all flights and holidays, even though the company had never previously applied them.
This policy applies to all flights and holidays booked through any channel, including online, via the mobile app, contact centre, or independent travel agents. However, it does not include tourist taxes, which are required to be paid directly to the accommodation provider at the time of the trip.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, emphasized the importance of providing customers with confidence in their bookings. He stated, “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2.”
Other Companies Follow Suit
Jet2 is not the only airline to announce this policy. easyJet previously told the Daily Mail that they are focused on keeping fares low and have no plans to introduce surcharges. Another travel company, One Traveller, a solo escorted tour operator for the over-50s, has also frozen prices. The company has announced that bookings made before 18th May will offer a price guarantee regardless of any increase in fuel surcharges that may come into play in the coming weeks.
Additionally, the tour operator’s Deposit Guarantee Scheme, which was initially available on selected tours, is now available on all One Traveller holidays booked before 18th May 2026. This scheme allows customers to reuse 50 per cent of their initial holiday deposit payment that may have otherwise been lost when rebooking an alternative holiday in the event of cancellation.
Ian Darkin, CEO of One Traveller, commented on the resilience of the over-50s market, stating, “Our guests have shown remarkable confidence in continuing to travel, even in the face of global uncertainty.”
Impact of the Jet Fuel Crisis
The price of jet fuel has more than doubled following the Iran war, and while many European airlines have hedged their fuel, and frozen their purchase price for months or years ahead, US airlines have not fared as well. American Airlines has revealed that the jet fuel crisis will cost the airline $4 billion this year, wiping out forecast profits.
Other travel companies, including On The Beach and BA Holidays, have guaranteed that they will not add surcharges to their customers. Additionally, companies like Trailfinders, Destination2, Kuoni, Jet2holidays, Olympic Holidays, and Beachcomber Tours have all promised not to introduce unexpected surcharges.
LoveHolidays told the consumer champion that it has not imposed surcharges before and has no intention of doing so in the future. Meanwhile, LastMinute.com said it would not surcharge but couldn’t promise customers that they would not face additional costs from airlines.
Airlines Reconsidering Pricing Strategies
Some airlines have warned they are having to reconsider their pricing if the situation continues. IAG, which owns British Airways, told the Daily Mail, “We are not seeing jet fuel supply interruptions, but fuel prices have risen sharply… we are not immune to the impact.” The carrier added that its airlines will continue to monitor and respond to the situation.
Meanwhile, KLM and Air France recently announced they are increasing their fares for the second time. Both are part of the same company and last month it was revealed they would be hiking ticket prices due to the rising cost of jet fuel. Economy fares were increased by €50 (£43.47) for a round trip, according to The Sun. This week, Air France-KLM announced they would be increasing fares again, with many long-haul round trips seeing another €50 – totalling to €100 (£87).
Warnings from Industry Leaders
Just weeks ago, Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary warned that flights could be cancelled this summer due to the soaring cost of jet fuel. He told ITV News, “We’re all facing an unknown scenario. And we are certainly looking at maybe having to cancel 5 per cent, 10 per cent of flights through May, June and July.”
easyJet’s CEO Kenton Jarvis also warned holidaymakers to book flights ‘as early as possible’ to avoid price jumps if the price of oil stays high. Customers were also warned to expect higher ticket prices towards the end of summer, when existing fuel hedges come to an end.
