Experts have said they believe the UK could ‘be worst hit’ by a jet fuel shortage
Jet2 has revealed that holidaymakers are dramatically changing the way they book their getaways amidst fears of serious jet fuel supply problems this year linked to the Middle East crisis.
With tensions rising in the region, experts suggest that the UK could face the worst of a potential jet fuel shortage that threatens to disrupt holiday flights significantly.
Goldman Sachs has issued a warning that the UK is the country “most exposed” to jet fuel shortfalls triggered by the Iran conflict, raising fears of further flight cancellations and ruined summer holidays.
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Analysts from one of the world’s largest investment banks have highlighted that the UK depends heavily on imports passing through the now-blocked Strait of Hormuz, with stocks at “critically low levels” and inadequate refining capabilities.
Meanwhile, personal finance expert Martin Lewis has offered his perspective on the situation – highlighting that travellers who book their flights and hotels separately may not be entitled to compensation should flights be cancelled.
Jet2 has found that package holidays have emerged as the go-to choice for travellers, with 51% now opting for this method of booking – marking a 5% rise since February, reports the Liverpool Echo.
During the same timeframe, those preferring to book through separate providers has fallen by six percentage points to 20%, while ‘accommodation only’ bookings have plummeted to just 2%.
The airline’s findings show that the primary appeals of package holidays have remained remarkably consistent, with value (36%) and convenience (36%) leading the way.
However, the appeal of ‘enhanced security with a single provider, ATOL/ABTA protection’ has climbed by four percentage points since February to reach 26%, according to the survey.
This protection ensures holidaymakers are safeguarded against any alterations to their plans, including possible refunds should trips be cancelled, while guaranteeing breaks meet the highest standards for customer service, booking amendments, and health and safety.
Jet2 has pledged not to impose surcharges on any confirmed flights or holidays to cover rising costs, such as aviation fuel, providing travellers with peace of mind that the price they lock in is the final amount they’ll pay.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “Consumers want assurance during times of uncertainty and package holidays provide that assurance. On top of all the protection that our package holidays guarantee, Jet2 is well known as being a consumer champion that goes above and beyond to look after customers.
“Ahead of a busy summer season, this means new and existing customers know that their well-deserved holidays are in the very best hands with us, and we are very excited about welcoming everyone onboard and taking them on their breaks.”
As millions of Jet2 passengers gear up for a busy summer period, the airline has confirmed it intends to run its scheduled flights as planned.
Martin Lewis has issued an important warning for anyone who’s already booked their summer getaway. The personal finance guru has cautioned those who’ve paid for trips with leading holiday firms and carriers including TUI, Jet2, Ryanair, Wizz, easyJet and British Airways.
On his Money Show Live on ITV, the financial expert addressed a question from an audience member who enquired: ‘If my flight’s cancelled due to no jet fuel will you definitely receive all your money back even for your hotel booking as well.’
Mr Lewis clarified that travellers would forfeit their hotel booking expenses if they’d arranged accommodation separately from flights booked with carriers such as Jet2, TUI, Wizz, Ryanair or easyJet – as they wouldn’t be covered under consumer protection rules.
He explained: “No. And I think this is what people need to be very aware of. If you booked a package holiday where you booked everything in one, then under the package holiday regulations and rules and protections generally if your flight went you would get everything back.”
He continued: “And so actually at the moment package holidays give you a certain level of extra security that you wouldn’t get if you did a DIY booking where you bought your hotel and flight separately.” His reasoning, he clarified, is that the hotel booking remains valid: “Because the point is if you lose your flight and you’ve DIY booked, there’s nothing wrong with your hotel.
“The issue is you can’t get there. Your hotel is still there. It’s not faulty. It’s not cancelling. So, you don’t have those consumer rights.” When the accommodation hasn’t done anything wrong, holidaymakers might look at how they’ve made their booking – but that avenue offers no remedy either.
He added: “So, you would then say, ‘What about using a credit card or debit card protection?’ It won’t work because there’s nothing faulty. And that’s just giving you the same replica rights that you would have with the retailer.”
In separate developments, holiday firm TUI has issued a direct message to customers with bookings in May. TUI Managing Director Neil Swanson took to Facebook to assure travellers that May half-term flights will go ahead as planned: “We know you may be feeling a little uneasy after recent headlines, and we want to reassure anyone travelling over May half term that they can look forward to their holiday with confidence with TUI. We have good visibility on fuel supplies and are operating our holiday programme as planned, with no flights being cancelled due to fuel shortages.
“Our careful planning across fuel, flying and hotel capacity means we’re able to continue offering great value and stable prices – with no fuel surcharges added by TUI. The price you see is the price you pay, and all TUI package holidays are ABTA and ATOL protected, giving peace of mind from booking right through to returning home.”
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