FIRST Choice is set to follow Thomson and introduce charges for airport transfers on late deals within six weeks.
First Choice managing director Dermot Blastland said:”It’s an interesting idea and we’ll be looking at introducing it ourselves.”Blastland refused to be drawn on a timescale but sources close to the tour operator said it was keen to start levying the charges before the peak summer season.
Despite much criticism for stripping out airport transfers from the package, Thomson is set to net up to ú4m.
The company plans to charge ú10 for airport transfers to all of its 400,000 late bookers. First Choice is also keen to find new ways to bolster its profits.
But other operators have criticised the move and have pledged not to follow suit, at least in the short term.
Airtours sales, marketing and development director Ed Sims said: “The principle behind differentiating between late deals and brochured holidays is sensible but I disagree with introducing it in mid-season. It’s not part of our plans at the moment.”
Thomas Cook tour operations sales director Denis Wormwell added:”Thomson could have a nightmare in resorts with people claiming that they are on the bus when they are not and trying to hand over ú10 to representatives. Most of our late deals are to named accommodation so it’s not something that we are considering at the moment.”
n See Analysis page six, and Viewpoint, page 11