Operators blasted over fuel charges

Tour operators face growing criticism over their refusal to absorb fuel supplements into package holiday prices.

The big four are charging supplements of £20 to £55 per passenger on top of brochure prices, for travel up to winter 2006/07.

Wish You Were Here Travel managing director Danny Tuckwood said the practice is misleading customers.

“People see petrol prices dropping and wonder why the same isn’t happening to holiday fuel charges,” he said. “Fuel is an operational cost, so a surcharge should only be added in exceptional circumstances.”

Britaly Travel partner Daniele Broccoli asked: “How come Ryanair and EasyJet can operate without these charges?”

A Trading Standards spokesman said: “It does seem bonkers. It certainly has the potential for customers to be ripped off.”

But the major operators insist the supplements remain necessary.

Thomson Holidays said the charges are justified, “when the price of fuel is higher than expected at the time of pricing the brochure”, while Thomas Cook said its supplements are “a fair reflection” of the cost.

Cosmos commercial director Stuart Jackson argued: “This is a true cost incurred by airlines for purchasing fuel.” He called for a change in the regulations to allow for “true variable costs at the time of departure.”