Travel expert reveals where Brits can fly this summer to avoid jet fuel chaos
A travel expert has revealed where Brits can fly this summer to avoid potential jet fuel charges and cancellations.
If you're nervous about the flights you've booked to Greece in July, you're not the only one.
Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and jet fuel.
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According to new data, the lowest-priced economy tickets have risen more than 24 percent in the last year.
In turn, there is growing concern over how the war could impact European flight fares and schedules this summer.
"For travellers who are feeling cautious, short‑haul European destinations can feel like an easier option," Gavin Lapidus, company director at eShores, tells LADbible.
"These routes often operate multiple times a day from UK airports and keep travellers closer to home, which can make it simpler for airlines to re‑route passengers if schedules change."
So, where is best to book this summer and how likely are fare surcharges? Find out more below.
Where to fly this summer to avoid jet fuel chaos
It's important to note, we're not currently experiencing widespread disruption across the aviation industry, and flights are operating as planned.
According to travel expert Gavin Lapidus, you don't need to cancel your long-haul plans.
"When booked correctly, long‑haul holidays remain reliable and well protected," Lapidus explains. "The key is choosing established destinations with consistent demand and booking through a reputable ATOL‑protected provider.
"Long‑haul destinations that continue to be strong options include the US, particularly destinations such as New York, Orlando, and Los Angeles, which benefit from multiple daily direct flights from the UK across several airlines."
He also notes Japan, the Caribbean, Brazil, and Thailand as solid options because each destination boasts reliable airline schedules and operations.
For those of you with your heart set on a European summer, he highlights Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and the South of France as smart destinations, as there are daily flights from the UK.
"These are core summer routes with strong demand, meaning they're well supported by airlines and easier to manage if disruption does occur," Lapidus adds.
Should you book your flight now or wait?
In light of concerns, Easyjet CEO Garry Wilson said on Saturday, April 25: "We know that holidaymakers may have questions about what recent global events might mean for their travel plans this summer, so we are giving our customers absolute peace of mind that no surcharges will be added to their flights or package holidays."
British Airways’ parent company IAG has also confirmed that while higher fuel costs may lead to price increases on future bookings, it's not currently experiencing jet fuel supply disruptions.
Find out what other major airlines have said here.
"Booking early remains one of the most effective ways to protect both travel plans and budgets, particularly if dates are fixed," Lapidus adds. "Once flights are booked and paid in full, travellers won’t be subject to later fuel price increases, even if operating costs rise after booking.
"That means no unexpected charges further down the line, making early booking a smart way to lock in certainty.
"Jet2 remains a strong option for short‑haul travel as it has confirmed it will not introduce fuel surcharges and it operates a busy Mediterranean schedule with multiple daily flights. Meanwhile, British Airways is a strong option for long‑haul travel as it operates multiple daily services to major destinations around the world."
As for delays and cancellations, customers may not receive compensation if circumstances are out of the airline's control such as war or weather.
Travellers are also advised to:
- Avoid relying on last‑minute deals, as strong demand means availability is tighter
- Prioritise flexible or refundable options where possible, such as flexible flights and hotels with free cancellation
- Check your travel insurance carefully to ensure it covers cancellations and delays
- Be aware of passenger rights including refunds
Book flights via the following sites:
Topics: Travel
Danielle Fowler