UK urged to book packages amid jet fuel surge

UK holidaymakers planning summer trips have been urged to avoid booking flights and hotels separately amid rising jet fuel costs tied to Middle East tensions, as major airlines reassure customers that no fuel surcharges will apply to existing or new bookings.

Travel expert Hannah Mayfield from PayingTooMuch warned that independent bookings, often chosen to save money, leave travelers exposed if disruptions occur. "Booking separate flights and hotels might seem savvier, but right now, it's risky," she said. "If your airline cancels due to fuel shortages, they only owe you for the flight, not the hotel or car hire you've booked separately." She recommended ATOL-protected package holidays, regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, which require at least two components like flights and accommodation from the same provider. These ensure the operator handles refunds if the trip cannot proceed.

The concerns stem from conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. European jet fuel prices have surged from around 831 to 614 euros per tonne at the crisis's start to 1,838 to 1,387 euros by early April. Fatih Birol, executive director of the...