Thinking of flying off with your family to a quick inexpensive half term holiday? If you haven’t planned it in advance, it might be too dear to take them anywhere.
This year the prices are higher because Valentine’s weekend falls on the same weekend that students return to school from half term. If parents go outside of this time they will be fined up to £60 per child. This was a rule that was put into effect to prevent unauthorized absences. It has been effective but parents say it is frustrating nonetheless as with this fare increase; their travel savings are considerably reduced.
Normally, they are willing to pay the costs incurred, but with flights being marked up as much as 739%, it might be best to stay home.
There are a few places that are not affected by the markups simply because the students in those countries have a different holiday schedule. Parents can look to taking their families to France, Holland, or Germany, as flights to these countries have no significant mark up.
This year it is unfortunate that the timing worked out to fall on one of the most romantic holidays of the year. If parents don’t want to deal with too much stress or it is too expensive, perhaps they can appreciate spending time at home with loved ones.
Of course, that is what the holiday is all about. And they can save the money they would have spent on flights instead on making a nice celebration at home!