No fuel surcharges, same-day refunds: what UK travel firms are promising for summer 2026
EasyJet, On The Beach, Jet2, and Tui have made new commitments on fuel surcharges and refunds as UK consumers delay holiday bookings amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Direct answer
Several major UK travel firms, including easyJet, On The Beach, and Jet2, have pledged not to add fuel surcharges to existing bookings for summer 2026. On The Beach has additionally committed to same-day refund processing if a flight is cancelled. These pledges come as rising jet fuel costs — linked to the US-Israel war on Iran and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz — have made some consumers reluctant to book.
No fuel surcharges, same-day refunds: what UK travel firms are promising for summer 2026
If you have a summer 2026 holiday booked — or you're thinking about booking one — you may have noticed a wave of reassurance coming from airlines and travel companies. Rising jet fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainty have made many UK consumers hesitant to commit to travel plans. In response, several major firms have made specific pledges on fuel surcharges and refund speed that are worth understanding before you book or before you worry about an existing booking.
The pledges are real and verifiable, but it's worth knowing exactly what each firm has and hasn't committed to.
What's happening
On 1 May 2026, easyJet and its holiday business launched what they are calling a 'book with confidence' promise. The airline ruled out any additional fuel charges on existing or new bookings and stated it 'intends to run' its full summer schedule, which covers more than 50 million passengers. Note the wording: 'intends to run' is not a guarantee, but it is a public commitment that would be difficult to walk back without reputational cost.
On the same day, travel firm On The Beach pledged same-day refund processing for any cancelled flights. The company says it will return the full holiday cost immediately — or offer an alternative flight — if disruption strikes. On The Beach claims to be the first package holiday provider to make this specific commitment.
Jet2 went a step further in terms of contractual clarity. The airline and holiday firm has removed the provision in its booking conditions that previously allowed it to apply fuel surcharges. It has also added a 'no surcharges' strapline to its advertising. Removing the contractual provision is more binding than a pledge alone.
Tui and most other large holiday firms have also ruled out additional charges, according to reporting by The Guardian, though some have done so more quietly than others.
Why it matters
The backdrop to these pledges is significant. The US-Israel war on Iran has driven up oil prices, with jet fuel costs rising even more sharply. Disruption around the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about potential scarcity. Some European airlines — Lufthansa is cited as an example — have already cancelled thousands of flights due to rising fuel costs. Virgin Atlantic has introduced a fuel surcharge on long-haul flights.
The UK government and the airline industry say there is no current shortage of jet fuel in the UK, with imports from the US largely supplementing Gulf supplies. However, the International Energy Agency has warned that Europe could face jet fuel shortages within weeks. Contingency plans are reportedly in place.
For consumers, the practical concern is twofold: will my flight be cancelled, and if it is, how quickly will I get my money back? The pledges above are a direct response to both questions. Industry body Abta has also sought to reassure travellers, with chief executive Mark Tanzer stating that travel is continuing and holidaymakers are getting away on their trips.
Who is affected
These pledges are most directly relevant to:
- Existing customers of easyJet, On The Beach, Jet2, and Tui who have summer 2026 bookings and are worried about cancellations or unexpected charges.
- Prospective bookers who have been browsing but not yet committed — industry figures confirm that bookings are coming in later than usual this year.
- Package holiday customers more broadly, who already have stronger legal protections than those who book flights and accommodation separately. Under UK law, package holiday providers must offer a full refund or alternative arrangements if a significant element such as a flight is cancelled.
- Travellers planning trips to the eastern Mediterranean — Turkey, Cyprus, and Egypt — where fears had risen but bookings are reportedly recovering.
There is also a separate concern for anyone travelling to the EU: the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires visitors to register biometric information at the border, has already caused some travellers to miss flights. Greece has said it will not enforce the checks on British visitors this summer to reduce disruption, but the situation at other EU borders remains worth monitoring.
What to do next
If you have an existing booking, check your booking confirmation and terms to understand what your specific provider has committed to. Jet2's removal of the surcharge provision from its booking conditions is the most concrete protection; for other firms, the pledges are public commitments rather than contractual changes, though they carry reputational weight.
If you are considering booking, compare what each firm is offering in writing. A 'book with confidence' pledge is meaningful, but a contractual removal of surcharge provisions — as Jet2 has done — offers a clearer legal footing.
If your flight is cancelled, UK law already requires airlines to offer you a full refund or alternative travel. Package holiday customers have additional protections. On The Beach's same-day processing pledge goes beyond the legal minimum on speed, but the underlying right to a refund exists regardless of which provider you use.
On the fuel shortage question, the current official position is that there is no shortage in the UK. The IEA warning about potential European shortages within weeks is worth monitoring, but it has not translated into confirmed cancellations at UK carriers as of early May 2026. If the situation changes, Abta's guidance and your provider's customer service channels are the most reliable first points of contact.
Finally, if you are anxious about the EU Entry/Exit System, check the specific entry requirements for your destination country before you travel. Greece's decision not to enforce checks on British visitors is confirmed, but other EU member states have not made the same announcement.
Sources
Key takeaways
- EasyJet launched a 'book with confidence' pledge on 1 May 2026, ruling out additional fuel charges and affirming it intends to run its full summer schedule of over 50 million passengers.
- On The Beach committed to same-day refund processing for cancelled flights — it claims to be the first package holiday provider to make this pledge.
- Jet2 has removed the fuel surcharge provision from its booking conditions entirely and added a 'no surcharges' strapline to its advertising.
- Most large holiday firms including Tui have also quietly ruled out additional charges, according to The Guardian's reporting.
- The UK government and airline industry say there is no current jet fuel shortage, but the International Energy Agency has warned of potential European shortages within weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can travel firms legally add fuel surcharges to my existing booking?
Many booking contracts have historically included provisions allowing surcharges. Jet2 has now explicitly removed that provision from its booking conditions. EasyJet has pledged not to apply additional fuel charges. Always check your specific booking terms.
What does On The Beach's same-day refund pledge mean in practice?
On The Beach says it will process refunds on the same day a flight is cancelled, returning the full holiday cost immediately or offering an alternative flight. The firm claims to be the first package holiday provider to make this specific pledge.
Is there actually a jet fuel shortage in the UK right now?
As of early May 2026, the UK government and airline industry say there is no current shortage of jet fuel, with imports from the US supplementing Gulf supplies. However, the International Energy Agency has warned Europe could face shortages within weeks, and contingency plans are in place.
Am I better protected if I book a package holiday rather than flights and hotels separately?
Generally yes. Package holiday customers have stronger legal protections under UK law, including rights to a full refund or alternative arrangements if a significant element such as a flight is cancelled.