London, April 24, 2026, 20:04 BST
Jet2 on Friday scrapped all post-booking surcharges for its flights and package holidays, putting an end to extra charges meant to offset things like jet fuel spikes. The company clarified that the price customers see when they book—on its website, app, through its contact centre, or via independent agents—will be the price they pay, except for resort tourist taxes. “Customers should not face additional costs after booking,” CEO Steve Heapy said, emphasising that travellers are “locking in their price” with Jet2. Jet2
The shift comes as tighter fuel supplies begin to push up prices for summer trips—even though UK carriers haven’t flagged a domestic shortage yet. The UK government maintains airlines aren’t experiencing a jet fuel shortfall right now, but it has relaxed airport slot rules so operators can hold onto takeoff and landing slots if fuel issues ground flights.
Jet2 isn’t just playing with numbers—locking in prices is core to its business. The leisure operator put 20 million seats up for grabs for Summer 2026, marking an 8% increase versus last year. As it moved ahead with new London Gatwick routes, the company funneled marketing funds back toward pricing strategy, according to a February Reuters report.
The promise matters to families who are already eyeing holiday expenses. Jet2, meanwhile, takes on the fuel price risk for bookings already made—instead of hitting customers with extra charges after the fact.
Rivals are taking a different tack. On Friday, British Airways parent IAG announced plans to hike fares, citing pricier jet fuel. Over at easyJet and TUI, both recently flagged profit warnings tied to fallout from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran as well as shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters. While fuel hedging has shielded many European carriers from some of the price swings, that buffer won’t last much longer.
But that doesn’t make it immune to disruption. According to The Guardian, airlines scrapping UK flights over fuel shortages are still able to hold onto sought-after slots. Passengers are being advised to stick with their travel plans—just confirm with the airline first. Meanwhile, carriers have pushed for fuel shortages to be classed as an exceptional circumstance when it comes to compensation.
Here’s the catch: if fuel prices remain elevated, Jet2 might shield travelers from extra fees, but its own margins or late-season schedules could still take a hit. The company never claimed fuel costs wouldn’t bite—it just promised not to tack on new charges for customers after they book.
Travelers eyeing the pledge should note: it strictly applies to post-booking fuel surcharges from Jet2. There’s no coverage for government or local tourist taxes, extras you choose, fees for changes you make, or any price shifts that happen before booking.
Right now, Jet2 is leaning hard on certainty: lock in your booking, skip the fuel surcharge down the line. With rivals raising alarms or hiking prices, that’s the pitch Jet2 is putting to travelers ahead of the summer surge.
