BBC Morning Live’s Nick Knowles has cancelled his Turkey holiday as consumer champion Rebecca Wilcox explained what rights holidaymakers have amid rising fuel prices
BBC Morning Live’s Nick Knowles has cancelled his Turkey holiday as consumer champion Rebecca Wilcox explained what rights holidaymakers have amid rising fuel prices
A BBC travel specialist has provided an important update for those with summer holidays planned or considering booking a trip abroad. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, consumer champion Rebecca Wilcox addressed hosts Rav Wilding and Holly Hamilton about mounting anxiety from travellers regarding potential cancellations, additional charges, and insurance coverage.
During the programme, DIY expert and guest Nick Knowles disclosed that his family has chosen to call off their Turkish holiday due to the prevailing uncertainty. Host Helen remarked: “With this morning’s headlines showing oil prices at their highest level since 2022 there’s growing concern that airlines could respond by raising fares or even cancelling some flights.”
Ms Wilcox acknowledged the situation, saying: “It’s very worrying and and the number of headlines make us spike in our concern and I can see that the fuel price is going up making concerns go up and what we’re going to talk about today is how specifically that is going to affect the holiday pricing with airline fares because, of course, jet fuel, is integral for flying through the air.”
She added: “Jet2 has told us they are seeing an increase in holidaymakers leaving it to the very last minute to book their holidays, and that’s so they know the full cost of their trip at the time of purchase and that is due to the conflict in the Middle East.
“It tells us that there’s a real worry going on out there. People are quite hesitant to book, they don’t know whether they should go ahead with it. On Monday we heard the Prime Minister saying that airlines actually do have enough jet fuel at the moment but it could see holidays in jeopardy in the future and that depends upon how long this conflict goes on for which, of course, nobody knows.”
She explained that increasing numbers are weighing up whether to proceed with their plans or opt for a UK staycation instead. Presenter Holly Hamilton observed: “Most people when you chat to them, it’s at the forefront of their mind about booking holidays and in some cases they are cancelling them. Nick you and I were chatting about it and you’ve cancelled your holiday.”
Nick Knowles revealed: “Yes a holiday in Turkey and we’ve decided to stay home. A holiday in the UK is more expensive than going abroad – so we’re going to go in the back garden and drink cocktails and sunbathe in the back garden. The trick is don’t tell anyone you’re not going away because then they’ll ring you and interrupt.”
Holly responded, “Bad news, you’ve just told everybody.” Nick quipped, “I’m going to be in such trouble with my wife now.” Rav enquired: “Can holiday companies just raise prices then?” Rebecca responded: “I’m devastated that Nick is not going to Turkey – how is he going to get those new teeth he was talking about earlier? I’m joking, obviously his teeth are beautiful.” Nick interrupted: “I’m going back to the same people who did my hair it’s fine.”
When are holiday firms permitted to increase prices
Rebecca explained: “They can only raise their prices in specific circumstances because there is a law protecting consumers from these huge hikes in prices that they could add on for any random charges. This law is known as the Package Travel Regulation and it means we are protected.
“The surcharges they are allowed to add on are related to things like fuel cost increases, which we’re talking about today, transport taxes and fees and any fluctuations in the exchange rate movement. They have to say this in your TandCs at time of booking so just c heck your terms and conditions.”
Holly questioned: “The people who have booked their holiday will be thinking ‘how much could they possibly add on?’ ” Ms Wilcox clarified: “Well, it is a limited amount they can add on before they give you the option of cancelling or a refund and that amount they can add on is 8 per cent. This 8 per cent is broken down into 2 sections because the holiday company has to swallow that first 2 per cent and then you as consumer will only pay 6 per cent and that’s of the total cost of your holiday package.
“What does that look like for a holiday? So for instance if you’ve spent £1,000 on your holiday that’ll be an extra £60. A £3,500 holiday, another £210, and a £5,000 cruise that’s £300. They can only ask for this for up to 20 days before you travel and that’s why people are booking these last minute holidays because the time limit for that 6 per cent has already gone.”
Package holidays
Rav shared an example from viewer Jeff, who was approaching his balance payment deadline – having booked both flights and accommodation through the same agent, he enquired whether his family could secure a complete refund should they need to cancel due to the shortage. Ms Wilcox explained: “This sounds like he’s booked a package holiday when he’s booked the flight and the accommodation together and that means you do have more protection and you should be offered a full refund and a suitable alternative if they make major changes.
“If it’s a flight only deal they must offer you a replacement flight or a refund. If they offer you a holiday voucher or credit with them instead of cash be really wary and think twice about doing it. They may lure you in by offering you something that’s supposedly more than what you spent so it looks like it’s of greater value, but I would say you’re more protected if you get the cash back.” She cautioned that vouchers might come with limitations, expiry dates, and there’s also the risk of the company collapsing. She said getting travel insurance when you make the booking was vital as you’re protected from then until time of travel.
