Air travellers flying home for Christmas could face fare price spikes of up to 184 per cent because of surging December demand.
Hotel booking platform, hoo, analysed the cost of an economy class ticket for one adult taking a direct flight from the UK to a number of destinations, starting the week commencing November 29. It then studied how this cost is set to change approaching the Christmas week of December 20-26.
Flights costs were based on the average price for one person taking an economy flight during each week from the UK to Edinburgh, Dublin, Sydney, Paris and Madrid, sourced from Kayak.
Data reveals the least expensive time to fly - at an average cost of £216 per person - is between November 29-December 5.
It then jumps by 15 per cent during the following week to an average of £248 per person and a further nine per cent to £271 per person in the week December 13-19.
However, the biggest increase comes during Christmas week when the average cost of a ticket hits £399 - a 47 per cent increase on the previous week and 85 per cent more expensive than flying during the first week of December.
Adrian Murdock, co-founder of hoo, said: “Spare a thought for those facing some rapidly rising ticket prices in order to fly home to see their loved ones for the festive period.
"With many of us also spending last Christmas grounded due to Covid restrictions, demand is likely to be even higher than usual this year and so, if you can, be flexible on your travel dates and book sooner rather than later."
He added: "It’s not much help for this festive season, but you really should consider securing your seat during the first few months of next year if you want an affordable flight home for Christmas in 2022.”
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