Jet2 has made a significant announcement regarding its flights and holiday bookings amid the current situation in Iran, leading to a decrease in jet fuel availability and subsequent price hikes. The airline assured customers that there will be no surcharges added to existing bookings to offset the rising costs, emphasizing that the price at booking will remain unchanged.
While other airlines and travel companies are speculated to implement surcharges post-booking, Jet2 has decided to eliminate this provision across all flights and holiday packages, a practice they have never enforced before.
This commitment by Jet2 ensures that any cost increases will not be passed on to customers once they have made their bookings. This policy applies universally to all flight and holiday reservations made through any booking channel, be it online, via the mobile app, contact center, or independent travel agents.
However, it’s important to note that this guarantee does not cover tourist taxes, which are typically paid at the resort during the holiday directly to the accommodation provider.
Steve Heapy, the CEO of Jet2, stated, “Holidaymakers deserve the peace of mind to book their vacations without the worry of unexpected additional charges. With this announcement, customers booking with Jet2 can rest assured that the price they lock in is final, without any surprises later on. This commitment aligns with our dedication to offering exceptional holiday experiences and top-notch customer service, making Jet2 the preferred choice for summer getaways.”
This announcement follows concerns raised by travel industry leaders regarding potential price hikes, even for travelers with existing bookings. According to Emma Brennan from the travel agent and tour operator trade association ABTA, while there are regulations allowing for fare charge increases on package holidays, such occurrences are rare, and strict guidelines limit the extent of these charges.
The uncertainty in the energy market, particularly due to the situation in Iran impacting jet fuel supply, has prompted various responses from airlines. Some, like Virgin Atlantic, have introduced fuel surcharges, while others, such as KLM, have canceled flights due to fuel shortage concerns.
Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, highlighted the looming energy crisis and its potential repercussions on holiday plans, with airlines like Lufthansa already reducing flight routes. This scenario raises concerns about the impact on tourist destinations and the possibility of widespread flight cancellations.
The Airports Council International has also warned about potential jet fuel shortages in the EU if the Strait of Hormuz in Iran remains closed, further exacerbating the situation.