Three major airlines hike price of in-flight treats ahead of summer hols – as expert brands rises ‘a real scandal’
AIRLINES have slapped cheeky price rises of up to nine per cent on in-flight snacks and drinks.
The “scandalous” price hikes of up to 50p on some meal deals will see holidaymakers flying on easyJet, TUI and Jet2 hit in the pocket this summer.
Families travelling with kids will be especially hammered as they are “captive audiences”.
The Sun researchers found easyJet has slapped 30p or a 6% rise on their bacon roll prices up from £4.95 to £5.25.
And their Kid’s Snack Bag has increased from £5.50 last year to £6 today – a rise of 50p or nine per cent – the largest hike we found.
Similarly, a TUI Drink and Snack meal deal for kids including snacks such as a Fruit Shoot, Sour Cream and Onion Pringles,Toy Box Choc and Haribo Travel Parade is now £6.50.
That’s a 50p increase – 8% – on last year’s price of £6.
TUI has also hiked the price of Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Original Crisps (45g) by 10p or 4% from £2.50 last year to £2.60 today.
Jet 2 has also upped its prices – whacking 20p or 7% on the price of its Pot Noodles Chicken and Mushroom (90g) packs from £3 to £3.20.
The budget airline has also upped the price of its Kids Snack Box from £4.20 last year to £4.50 today – a rise of 30p or 7%.
Consumer experts blasted the food and drink hikes after flight prices have spiralled in recent years as Brit holidaymakers returned to the skies post-Covid.
Martyn James, Sun Squeeze Team member and independent consumer champion, said: “Airlines are the masters of monetising everything – from where we sit to the size of cabin bags.
“But the endless cycle of price hikes on things like food is a real scandal, given how much more expensive it is to fly these days.
“So make sure you swing by the airport sandwich shops before you fly – and cost them some sales.”
Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at analysts, Hargreaves Lansdown, added: “Once you’re strapped into your seat, you’re a captive audience. If you’re hungry, there are no other options, so you have to pay whatever the airlines choose to charge.
“There’s the boredom factor to consider too. Often people will eat on planes regardless of whether they’re hungry or not, to help pass the time. Airlines know they have this audience, so will offer pricey snacks to take advantage.
“This isn’t just pure profiteering, because costs for the airlines are rising too.
“Everything from the cost of the food itself to the price of getting it to the plane and the salaries of the staff selling it to you are getting more expensive.
“The answer, as ever, is to bring your own. If you can squeeze in a sandwich when you’re packing your hand luggage, you can save your holiday spending money for something much more fun.”
EasyJet said: “We continually review our range to ensure we are providing good value and competitive prices alongside trying to minimise the impact of the inflationary environment.
“We continue to offer value for money across the range when compared to similar outlets like airport cafes, which the growing popularity of our in-flight range clearly shows.”
Jet2 was contacted for comment and TUI declined to give a response.
We have also looked at how holidaymakers have been warned not to fall for an easy credit card mistake when abroad.
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.