End of cheap travel era may be in sight

Over five million airline passengers in the UK could find themselves priced out of budget holiday market as carriers continue to raise fares and bring the cheap holiday era to a close.

Holidaymakers leaving on their traditional summer breaks this week may find that this is the last time that they’ll find holidays as affordable – because of the rising cost of airfares.

Ticket prices are likely to rise by 10 per cent over the coming year, as the cost of oil continues to cause the price of jet fuel to increase.

The price of oil has increased dramatically, doubling in the past year alone. It is expected to lead to significant changes throughout the airline industry after the end of this summer’s season, according to many industry analysts. It is certain that carriers will increase airfares, reduce the number of flights they operate – and that some well-known airlines will be forced out of business.

Fare increases will have a major impact on holidaymakers who depend on cheap flights, either on charters, or with carriers such as easyJet and Ryanair.

The budget carrier idea, imported into the UK from the US around 15 years ago, altered air travel in Europe. Flights, which at times cost a mere £1, allowed UK travelers to take weekend breaks to cities on the continent, often on the spur of the moment.

www.easyjet.com