Rising oil prices cause the unwelcome comeback of fuel surcharges

In further blow to cash strapped UK holiday makers, fuel surcharges are making a comeback in 2011, as the cost of crude oil passed $115 a barrel. This comes hot on the heels of the airport departure tax increase, which saw a 50% increase on some long haul destinations late last year.

Holiday makers beware; the combined effect of fuel surcharges and the increased airport departure tax could add a significant amount to the cost of your next holiday.

Thomas Cook and Tui brands Thomson, First Choice and Thomson Airways are the latest to announce the introduction of fuel surcharges in an attempt to claw back rising fuel costs.

Thomas Cook was the first major operator to introduce fuel supplements on 1st March, but it was quickly followed by Tui on 2nd March.

The supplement, which will apply to new Thomas Cook holidays and flight-only bookings made with immediate effect, sees £15 added to short-haul holidays, £25 to mid-haul trips and £40 to long-haul destinations.

Tui supplements are going to at the same level but they don't come into effect until March 4, when they will be added to all new bookings.

So the lesson is, if you're thinking about booking a holiday, don't hang around, because you might see the prices rising before your eyes.

Many airlines have already added fuel surcharges to all bookings; British Airways announced an increase in its fuel surcharge on long haul services at the beginning of February. Qantas and Singapore Airlines have also announced increases to their fuel surcharges this year.

The price rises have not been limited to airlines, a number of cruise operators have also announced plans to apply a fuel surcharge on to all new bookings.

Cash strapped holiday makers should do their research before deciding on their holiday destination to see how the level of airport departure tax and fuel supplements will affect the costs.

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