Jet2 has made a major pledge to anyone who already has a flight booked this year. The carrier has clarified its stance amidst growing fears that the Iran conflict and potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a jet fuel shortage and dramatic price increases this summer.
This week, EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen cautioned: "Unfortunately, it's very likely that many people's holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets." Concerns are intensifying that travellers could encounter extra fees from airlines as they wrestle with soaring fuel expenses.
Mr Jorgensen added: "Even if we do everything we can do, if the jet fuel is not there, then it's not there. [Currently] it is primarily a crisis of prices and not yet a crisis of supply, but unfortunately we cannot be sure to prevent a crisis of supply, especially on jet fuel in the future, if the crisis continues." Earlier today, President Trump suggested that the Iran situation could continue for weeks, saying he 'wouldn't rush' a deal.
Jet2 has announced that it will not add surcharges to any existing flight or holiday bookings to offset rising costs, including those for jet fuel. In a bid to calm the developing crisis, the Department for Transport released direct guidance yesterday to travellers booked with airlines including Jet2, Ryanair, Wizz, easyJet and British Airways. In a new announcement, Jet2 has confirmed it will not introduce surcharges on any reserved flights or holidays to offset rising expenses, such as aviation fuel, assuring customers that the price they book remains the price they will pay.
Amidst suggestions that certain airlines and travel companies may implement such surcharges - potentially leaving their customers facing additional charges after making a reservation - Jet2 has removed the surcharge provision across all flights and holidays, despite the firm never having previously imposed them, reports the Daily Star.
The policy applies to all flights and holidays reserved through any platform, whether online, through the mobile app, contact centre or independent travel agent. It excludes tourist taxes, which are payable at the resort during the holiday and are paid directly to the accommodation provider.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, commented: "Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2. As a result of today's announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them. Ahead of a busy summer this is yet more evidence of why, on top of our incredible holidays and award-winning customer service, nothing beats a Jet2holiday."
The Department for Transport released a statement the previous day, saying: "There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans. UK airlines purchase jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience. The government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers. If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing. Read this factsheet for the full picture on the current situation and what it means for you."
