If you’re counting down the days until your summer holiday, you may have found yourself asking the question that’s dominating headlines ‘Will my summer holiday be cancelled?’ I recently took part in a special Dispatches programme which took a deep dive in to finding the answer.
With ongoing conflict in the Middle East, rising fuel prices and reports of flight disruptions, it’s no surprise that many of us are feeling uneasy. Social media is full of speculation and news reports can make it difficult to separate genuine risks from worst-case scenarios.
The good news is that, for the vast majority of holidaymakers, summer travel is continuing as planned. However, there are a few thingsyou should know before heading to the airport.
As a Consumer Champion specialising in travel with over 30 years’ experience helping people understand their rights, here’s what you need to know.
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash
Is the Middle East conflict affecting UK holidays?
The conflict has undoubtedly created challenges for the aviation industry.
Some airlines have had to reroute flights to avoid restricted airspace, while services to destinations directly affected by the conflict have been suspended or altered.
For most UK holidaymakers travelling to Europe, however, flights are still operating normally.
If you’re heading to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece or other popular Mediterranean destinations, there is currently no reason to believe your holiday will automatically be cancelled.
That said, aviation is a fast-moving industry. Airlines constantly monitor security advice and can change routes at short notice if necessary. In most cases, these changes happen behind the scenes, with passengers noticing little more than a slightly longer flight time.
Have fuel prices increased?
In a word, yes, the conflict has contributed to higher global oil prices, which has pushed up the cost of petrol and diesel here in the UK. Airlines are also facing increased fuel costs. However, this doesn’t mean your holiday will suddenly become much more expensive.
Many airlines buy aviation fuel months in advance through hedging agreements, which helps shield them from sudden price spikes. If fuel prices remain high for an extended period, consumers may eventually see higher fares but increases are rarely immediate.
Holiday prices are also influenced by demand, competition, exchange rates and the availability of flights and hotels. That’s why some destinations are still offering excellent value despite the wider economic uncertainty.
Are people changing their holiday plans?
Yes but perhaps not in the way you might expect. Many holidaymakere aren’t cancelling altogether; they’re just changing how they travel and being more cautious when making plans.
Some are delaying booking until closer to departure, hoping for greater certainty. Others are comparing more destinations before committing, while many families are looking at alternatives such as UK breaks, ferry crossings or rail travel into Europe.
Consumers have become much more cautious over the past few years. After experiencing the pandemic, airline disruption, strikes and extreme weather, many now place just as much importance on reliability as they do on price.
Will flight prices increase?
Possibly but don’t assume every flight will cost more. Airlines are balancing higher operating costs with strong competition. While some routes may become more expensive if fuel prices remain elevated, others continue to offer competitive fares because airlines need to fill seats.
If you’re flexible about your departure airport or travel dates, you may still find excellent deals. It’s worth remembering that the cheapest flight isn’t always the best value once baggage charges, seat selection and airport parking are added.
Always compare the total cost before booking.
Should I consider a staycation instead?
For some families, a UK staycation may offer greater peace of mind. You won’t need to worry about flights, passport queues or changing international travel advice. However, don’t assume a staycation will automatically save money.
During the school holidays, accommodation in popular UK destinations can rival or even exceed the cost of a package holiday abroad. If you’re travelling by car, remember to factor in fuel, parking and attraction costs before making your decision.
What about travelling by ferry or Eurostar?
For travellers heading to northern Europe, these can be excellent alternatives.
Taking the ferry or Eurostar removes many of the concerns associated with flying and can offer greater flexibility, particularly if you’re travelling with children or taking lots of luggage.
It’s also worth comparing the total journey cost, rather than simply looking at the ticket price. Once airport parking, baggage fees and transfers are included, rail or ferry travel can sometimes work out surprisingly competitive.
How can I protect my holiday?
No one can guarantee that travel disruption won’t happen but what you can do is make sure you’re protected if it does.
1. Book a package holiday if possible
Package holidays provide some of the strongest consumer protections. If your organiser has to make significant changes or cancel your trip, you may be entitled to a suitable alternative or a full refund.
2. Buy travel insurance as soon as you book
This is one of the most common consumer oversights. Many people wait until just before departure but you should arrange travel insurance immediately after booking. That way, you’re covered if something unexpected happens before you travel.
Always check exactly what is and isn’ covered. Pay particular attention to cancellation, disruption and airline failure protection and be aware that some policies exclude claims relating to war or civil unrest.
3. Pay by credit card
If your holiday costs more than £100, paying by credit card could give you valuable additional protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if the travel company breaches its contract or ceases trading.
4. Keep checking official travel advice
Before you travel, monitor the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). If official advice changes, it could affect your holiday plans and your insurance cover so it’s important to stay informed.
5. Don’t cancel before you understand your rights
This is perhaps the most important piece of advice I can give. If you decide not to travel simply because you’re worried and don’t want to anymore then you could lose a significant amount of money.
If your airline later cancels the flight or your package holiday operator is unable to provide your holiday, your rights may be very different. Always check your options before cancelling yourself.
My top tips for travelling this summer
- Book with a reputable airline or tour operator.
- Choose a package holiday if you want the strongest protection.
- Arrange comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book.
- Pay by credit card where possible.
- Monitor your airline’s emails and app before travelling.
- Check FCDO travel advice regularly.
- Keep important booking confirmations and insurance details easily accessible.
- Arrive at the airport prepared but don’t be alarmed by every headline.
- Know your consumer rights BEFORE you travel. You don’t want to have to think on the spot when away if things go wrong.
In a nutshell
Travel always comes with uncertainty. Whether it’s extreme weather, technical problems, industrial action or international events, there will always be factors beyond our control. The important thing is not to let worrying headlines spoil your holiday before you’ve even packed your suitcase.
At the moment, most holidays are going ahead as planned. Airlines have contingency plans, travel companies continue to operate busy summer schedules and millions of people will enjoy trouble-free trips over the coming weeks.
Keep yourself informed, know your rights and make well considered booking decisions.
If disruption does occur, remember that understanding your consumer rights is often just as valuable as having your passport in your hand.
Happy holidays!
