A little-known clause in Package Travel Regulations allows UK holiday companies to impose a surcharge of up to 8% on the total cost of a package holiday under specific circumstances, according to a Which? investigation. The surcharge can be applied without offering free cancellation if due to destination taxes, currency fluctuations, or fuel and power cost increases, as outlined in the regulations.
Fuel prices have been rising considerably due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to reports. Package holiday firms must adhere to strict rules: surcharges must be linked to specific costs, charged no later than 20 days before departure, and if over 8%, travellers can cancel for free, the regulations state. Major holiday companies have committed to not imposing surcharges on customers, a Which?
investigation found. Trailfinders, Destination2, Kuoni, Jet2holidays, Olympic Holidays, and Beachcomber Tours all pledged to avoid these fees. On The Beach and BA Holidays also issued assurances and would not be introducing these fees.
No plans to in 2026
Loveholidays told Which? it had 'no intention' of levying surcharges. easyJet stated it has 'no plans to in 2026' for surcharges.
Mixed responses and unknowns persist regarding surcharge implementation. If the organiser reserves the right to a price increase, the traveller has a right to a price reduction if there is a decrease in the relevant costs, according to the Package Travel Regulations. com said it wouldn't impose a surcharge itself but couldn't guarantee airlines wouldn't add extra costs, the Which?
investigation reported. com were approached for comment by Which? and the Mirror and are yet to respond.
com will impose surcharges on customers, how many holiday companies actually include this clause in their terms and conditions, and the exact impact of Middle East conflict fuel price rises on holiday surcharges in 2024 and 2025.