Solo travellers are routinely paying over the odds for holidays, a study by consumer group Which? claims.
Singles are regularly paying “significantly more” per person than those travelling as a couple, sometimes even when opting for a smaller room designed for single occupancy.
The findings emerged from analysis of thousands of packages offered by Tui and Jet2holidays.
Which? found that on average, a solo traveller holidaying with Tui would pay almost half as much more (47%) than someone holidaying as part of a pair, with the average cost coming in at £1,147, compared with a per person cost of £781 for a couple.
Those booking with Jet2holidays were found on average to pay 36% more for their trip than those holidaying as a pair, with solo travellers paying £1,320 for a week’s trip, in contrast to the £970 paid by those in a couple.
The consumer body also found examples of individual travellers paying more per person for all-inclusive trips, despite the fact a solo traveller would occupy just one aircraft seat, and could “reasonably be expected” to consume half the amount of food and drink.
For a week’s all-inclusive trip to Majorca, departing in June with Tui, Which? was quoted £840 per person for two people sharing, and was even offered an upgrade to a larger, one-bedroom apartment for the same price. However, a solo traveller would pay £1,448 for the same package, but without the added benefit of an upgraded room.
Which? also found that those travelling alone are more likely to face restricted choice. Both Jet2holidays and Tui had “notably fewer” offerings for solo travellers – 10% fewer in the case of Tui, and 20% for Jet2.
It also found solo travellers being quoted 87% more to occupy a single occupancy cabin, when compared with two people sharing a larger, double room on a P&O Cruises Mediterranean itinerary in May.
Which? Travel deputy editor Jo Rhodes said: “Single supplements are a common expense faced by solo travellers, and are often used to cover the cost of one person occupying a room intended for double occupancy. However, our research has found solo travellers routinely paying over the odds, even for smaller, single rooms.
“With inconsistent pricing across the industry, solo travellers can very easily miss out on the best prices. If you are planning a trip, make sure to shop around and wherever possible look for companies that waive single supplements.
“Take your time to compare the total price with the per person cost offered to a couple and check the cost of both single and double rooms. A single room can often save money on hotel stays, but may be a pricier option than a double cabin on some cruises.”
In response, a Tui spokesperson said: ”The price increases referenced in the report don’t reflect the travelling habits of our customers, with most solo travellers travelling outside of peak holidays and who choose single occupancy rooms.
“We offer a large number of holidays that cater for solo travellers with hotels offering us single rooms, with associated single occupancy rates. In addition, we also offer solo traveller discounts, including those single parents travelling with children. Where hoteliers only offer double occupancy rates, unfortunately the cost will be passed on to the customer.
“We will continue to work with our hotel partners to increase our availability for single occupancy rooms to meet customer demand.”
A Jet2holidays spokesperson said: “We have recently been rated the top provider for solo holidays by Which? and we were recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider for solo holiday providers on the back of this.
“We are very proud of this recognition and do everything we can to cater for solo travellers including offering a range of adult-focused hotels, working with hotels to offer single rooms or rooms for sole use, and giving solo travellers £30 off their booking through a promotion code. Although many contracted hotels have single rooms or rooms for sole use, allocations do vary and can sell out quickly.
“The cost of the Jet2.com flight element is the same for solo travellers, however the price of the accommodation does mean there can be a difference in the overall price. We are working with hotel partners on this, and hope to announce further details in the future.”
A P&O Cruises spokesperson said: “We have removed single supplements on selected cruises which means that solo guests can book a spacious cabin at half the price than if there were two guests sharing.
“Where there is a single supplement, solo travellers will always pay a reduced price compared to if we had two guests staying in the same cabin.
“Across the P&O Cruises fleet we also offer single occupancy cabins, including a mix of inside, sea view and balcony cabins. These cabins are priced depending on demand for a particular cruise.”