Brits to pay £30 extra for holidays next year in huge ‘slap’ for travellers

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Holidays are already an expensive luxury, but plenty of deals mean that families can save up for a trip away.

Unfortunately, it seems that costs may go up soon.

In line with the spring budget – which was released this week – flight prices are likely to rise with inflation, as a hike in flight tax could add around £30 to an average family holiday.

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A rise in Air Passenger Duty (APD) in line with inflation rates was announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt during the budget yesterday.

The tax is based on how far people travel and will rise in line with the predicted rate of inflation in the coming year.

That means the price hike will be felt more by those flying to long-haul destinations.

For an economy seat to Thailand or Australia the APD paid will increase from £84 to £91, meaning that a family of four is looking at nearly £30 extra for a holiday.

Holidays to sunny Egypt, Cape Verde or the Caribbean will rise by £4 a person, although thankfully short-haul trips are unlikely to be impacted much.

Domestic flights will see an even smaller rise of 50p, once the government's plans are enforced from April 1 .

The added tax is charged on flights taking off from a UK airport.

This means it is paid on outbound journeys but not when returning.

How different flights will be impacted

• Domestic (within the UK): Up 50p, from £6.50 to £7
• Short haul (0 to 2,000 miles): No change from £13
• Medium haul (2,001 to 5,500 miles): Up £4 from £87 to £91
• Long haul (over 5,500 miles): Up £7 from £84 to £91

Despite the new tax it’s likely that many Brits will still choose to fly.

By passengers numbers Britain is the fourth biggest country for aviation in the world, with 165,388,610 people flying in 2022.

Over on Twitter, Brits were not happy about the move.

Kevin, @EconomyBeyond, said: "Is UK Air Passenger Duty going to rise thanks to the UK Budget announced by Jeremy_Hunt? OF COURSE. Another way of slapping the traveller."

Meanwhile, on Facebook, Nigel S said: “Another tax on the average family, after two years of lockdown and heating costs – not good!”

And, commenting to the Mirror, another noted: "It’s all a ploy to get you back to Pontins and Butlins…..the good ole days….none of this foreign travel malarkey."

"It's for long haul and the £30 is for a family of four, that will hardly break the bank," added another.

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