Travel industry under fire for school holiday price rises

Leading European bank Santander has criticised the travel industry for raising the cost of breaks during school holiday periods.

The attack comes in the light of a new study undertaken by Santander Credit Cards, which looked at the difference in cost of a family holiday taken during, and outside of, the school holidays.

53% price rise

Although most families are aware of paying a premium to getaway during school holidays, the findings of the study will come as shocking reading to many. It demonstrated that a holiday would cost an average of 53% more during February half-term when compared to the equivalent break taken two weeks later.

£1,163 more per holiday

In cash terms, this makes the average package holiday for a family of four cost around £1,163 more during half term, with some holidays costing as much as £4,600 more - an eye-watering 269% price increase.

The South East premium

Those starting their holidays from airports in the South East face the biggest price rises according to the study, paying around 67% more to travel in school holidays. Families travelling from Manchester meanwhile, were slightly better off with price increases below the national average at around 40%.

The holidays compared in the report were to five popular family-friendly destinations in Majorca, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Orlando and Chania in Crete. Each of the five destinations suffered from the same huge price differences inside and outside of school holidays.

“It’s hard to justify such massive premiums”

In a recent press release Director of Santander Credit Cards Ian Coles criticised the travel industry for raising prices during school holidays saying:

“Holidays abroad during peak season will inevitably be subject to some price inflation because demand is so high.”

“However, at a time when the cost of living is rising sharply and many families are still feeling the pinch, it's hard to justify such massive premiums.”

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