Flight Bookings to Spain, Greece, and Turkey: Act Before Wednesday to Avoid Price Hike

Starting Wednesday, the cost of flying out of the UK is set to increase, making it more expensive for travelers to reach their destinations.

For individuals planning to book flights from the UK, it is advisable to make their bookings before Wednesday to avoid the impending rise in costs. As of April 1, air passenger duty (APD) will increase, leading to higher flight prices. This duty is a component of the overall cost of each airline ticket, and carriers anticipate that the adjustment will lead to increased fares on select routes, according to reports from Majorca Daily Bulletin.

The amount of APD paid per person varies based on factors such as the class of ticket and the distance between the UK and the destination country's capital. Notably, the duty significantly increases for tickets beyond basic economy and for flights to countries more than 2,000 miles away from London.

Travel expert Simon Calder notes that this levy is unique to the UK and has been a subject of considerable debate. He further explains that Chancellor Rachel Reeves has introduced an above-inflation increase effective April 1, 2026, and another increase in line with the retail prices index the following year. By summer 2027, a family of four traveling in premium economy to Orlando will need to pay over £1,000 in tax for flying out of the UK in any class above basic economy.

As of April 1, 2026, the APD rates will be adjusted to the following levels:

Prior to April 1, 2026, the APD rates are as follows:

While the increases may not seem substantial at first glance, they can significantly add to the overall cost of a family holiday, particularly for destinations over 2,000 miles away from the UK.

It is worth noting that APD does not apply to children under the age of 16 who travel in basic economy, but it is payable for all children over two years old traveling in premium classes.

For a family of four with children between the ages of two and 15, the APD rates from April 1, 2026, will be as follows:

In contrast, a family of four with children aged 16 and above will face the following APD rates from April 1, 2026:

Although the year-on-year increases may not be dramatic for shorter flights, they can accumulate for longer flights, especially when traveling with older children. To save every possible pound, booking flights before Wednesday can help avoid the increased APD costs.

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