Deposits slashed as holiday company gets tough on rivals

The north’s fastest-growing tour operator, Jet2holidays.com, has today announced it will be cutting the amount holidaymakers have to place as a deposit by two-thirds, from £150 to £50 per booking.

Furthermore, the company will not be asking customers for any second-level deposits nearer departure date – many tour operators ask consumers for a second payment six-eight weeks before the holiday, something the company believes is effectively a money loan from customer to holiday company.

The moves are aimed at making the company, which has already driven down the cost of the traditional package holiday, even more competitive in the travel market.

Jet2holidays.com has introduced the new low deposit price of just £50 per person, making it easier and cheaper for holiday-goers to book a summer break at a time of year when consumers want to book their breaks but yet may have low funds after Christmas and New Year spending.

In comparison to its competitors, Jet2holidays.com is providing a deposit rate that is not only cheaper initially, but also eradicates any pressure of paying more money if a cancellation has to be made at a later date.

By asking for just an initial low payment of £50, Jet2holidays is shouldering the responsibility of providing a high level service to its customers, decreasing the risk of them cancelling.

Mandy Round, general manager at Jet2holidays.com said: “We understand how expensive Christmas can be for families which can make January booking prohibitively expensive for some.

“With our new low deposit rate we’re allowing families who, in the past, may have missed out on the bargains, the chance to join the January and February rush for holiday bookings.

“We have removed the complicated process of initial deposits and second-level payments meaning if, for some reason the customer has to cancel, they only lose the single fee of £50.

“We are also getting rid of the rather odd tactic of requesting second-level deposits prior to departure. This is extremely common within the industry, but we believe this ‘loan’ from customer to holiday company is unnecessary and out-of-date and we are calling on all tour operators to match our move.

“As we fly to such a huge range of destinations at such competitive prices, I am confident that any person that books their summer holiday with us will not wish to cancel, and our deposit rate is testament to this”.

For bookings visit Jet2holidays.com.