Holidaymakers who book their flights and hotels separately could be paying hundreds of pounds more than necessary, according to new research from easyJet holidays. The travel company found that Brits could save up to £378 on a European city break by booking their flight and hotel together rather than arranging everything independently.
Beyond accommodation costs, airport transfers and booking fees are among the extra expenses travellers say have increased the price of their holidays.
Package Deals Cheaper Across the Board
A new Price Index commissioned by easyJet holidays compared the cost of booking flights and hotels individually with buying them as a package. It found that package deals were cheaper across all destinations included in the comparison, with an average saving of £328 and a maximum saving of £378.
The research also revealed that 17% of holidaymakers had spent more than expected on airport transfers, while 15% pointed to additional booking fees. Despite this, only a quarter (25%) of those surveyed said they had booked their travel and accommodation together as a package.
New Partnership Expands Options
The findings come as easyJet holidays expands its European city break offering through a new partnership with Expedia Group B2B. Customers booking flights with easyJet can now add hotels from thousands of additional options across popular European destinations, with both included in one booking. The packages come with ABTA and ATOL protection, and travellers can choose to add extras such as luggage and airport transfers.
According to the research, more than half (53%) of Brits would prefer to put money saved on their holiday towards shopping and experiences during their trip. Meanwhile, almost half (45%) said they had either travelled abroad to buy designer or luxury goods or made an unplanned purchase while away.
Potential Combined Savings
The company also found that 70% of Brits were unaware that some luxury items can be cheaper in European shops than on UK high streets. easyJet holidays claims travellers could make combined savings of up to £1,724 when cheaper package bookings and potential savings on luxury shopping are taken into account. However, that larger figure depends on what people buy and is not a saving every holidaymaker can expect.
Irene Roberts, Head of Cities at easyJet holidays, said: "City breaks are all about making the most of a few days away, and we want to make that as easy and affordable as possible."
"Our new partnership with Expedia Group B2B means that when customers book their easyJet flights, they can now choose to add a hotel from thousands of options across Europe's best-loved cities, while getting the value, convenience and protection that comes with booking a package."
"And with our research showing holidaymakers could save up to £378 compared to booking their flights and hotel separately, that's more money to spend enjoying the city when they get there."
