APD ‘too high’ say holidaymakers

Exclusive research for Travel Weekly, conducted at the weekend, suggests 17% of holidaymakers may choose to holiday in Europe rather than fly further afield as a result of higher APD. The tax is considerably lower on economy air travel within Europe, at £13 per passenger compared with a minimum £65 beyond.

More than half of holidaymakers said they would favour destinations with lower rates of air tax. However, only 6% said APD would stop them flying.

The survey of 500 adults who have flown on holiday found 75% agreed APD “is too high”, of whom half (or 38%) agreed “strongly”.

The study, by Explore Research, found just 14% of holidaymakers consider “overall APD is fair” against 64% who think it unfair, a ratio of 4.5 to one – with 29% saying they “strongly disagree”.

The rate agreeing they were more likely to pick a destination “if it had a lower rate of tax” was highest among young holidaymakers at 67% of 18-34 year-olds, against 55% of 35-54 year-olds and 45% of those aged 55 and above.

Perhaps surprisingly, 45% disagreed that the overall price of a flight matters most, with 28% saying it is the final fare that counts.

Just 14% thought APD “fair”. However, one in four (26%) agreed people who can afford to fly should pay a tax on flights; 44% disagreed with this.

Two out of three (68%) agreed APD is unfair on families, 33% agreeing strongly.

Two out of five (43%) said the increased rates of APD made them less likely to book premium economy seats on long flights. APD on premium economy fares is double the rate in economy – meaning £130 to the US rather than £65, and £184 to Australia instead of £92.