The recent military escalation between the United States and Iran has sent shockwaves through global travel, with jet fuel prices spiking and airlines cancelling or consolidating flights. While carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta have raised checked-bag fees to offset higher costs, passengers who have already booked flights are generally protected from retroactive surcharges. However, the situation is more complex for package holidays, where tour operators can pass on certain cost increases to consumers—within strict limits set by European law.
Your Rights Under EU Package Travel Rules
The EU’s Package Travel Directive provides a clear framework: organisers can only raise prices for three specific reasons—an increase in fuel costs, changes in taxes or fees imposed by third parties (such as tourist taxes), or fluctuations in exchange rates. Even then, any price hike is capped at 8% of the total package price. If the increase exceeds that threshold, you have the right to cancel the contract without penalty.
Operators must notify you of any price increase at least 20 days before departure, explaining the reasons behind it. Additionally, if the quality or value of the holiday diminishes—for instance, if your flight times change significantly due to airline schedule adjustments—you may be entitled to cancel and receive a refund. As always, reading the fine print in your booking contract is advisable.
For travellers in the United Kingdom, equivalent protections are provided under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations.
Which Operators Are Waiving Surcharges?
Several major European package holiday providers have announced they will not impose surcharges on existing or new bookings for the summer 2026 season, offering reassurance to holidaymakers.
easyJet Holidays has explicitly stated it will not apply any surcharges to pre-booked packages or new bookings for summer 2026. Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet holidays, said: “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. Our operations remain unaffected, so customers can be confident that not only will their holiday go ahead as planned, but there will be no surprise extra payments, and they can enjoy their brilliant holidays at unbeatable prices.”
Intrepid Travel has also committed to not adding surcharges to any existing or new bookings this year. TUI has confirmed that customers who have already booked a package will not face surcharges. Jet2 has gone a step further, stating it will not introduce surcharges on any booked flights or holidays, adding that “the company has never previously applied them.”
These commitments come as the broader travel industry grapples with rising fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainty. For consumers, the EU’s regulatory framework provides a safety net, but the proactive stance of these operators offers additional peace of mind.
For more on how the EU is responding to the energy crisis triggered by Middle East tensions, see our analysis of state aid rule relaxations. Meanwhile, travellers should also be aware of new power bank restrictions on flights following an ICAO update.
