Government needs to act on 'parent trap' summer holiday pricing, says travel company

Published: 05:04 EDT, 20 August 2013 | Updated: 06:37 EDT, 20 August 2013

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An internet travel company that launched a petition to protest against schools fining pupils for term-time absences has already amassed 20,000 signatures.

Travelzoo is also calling on the government to reduce Air Passenger Duty (APD) during the summer break, when it is estimated that families pay around 40 per cent more for holidays than those who can travel during term-time.

Protest: Supporters of Travelzoo's Parent Trap campaign pictured at the Houses of Parliament yesterday

Richard Singer, Travelzoo's European managing director, took the petition, which was launched three weeks ago and is now just shy of 21,000 signatures, to the Houses of Parliament yesterday. A petition needs at least 10,000 signatures before a campaign can warrant a government response, a target the company says it has had little trouble reaching.

Mr Singer told MailOnline Travel that he was "delighted" with the response to the company's 'Parent Trap' campaign.

"So many parents are unaware of the amendments to the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations from 2006 which come into force on 1st September this year.

"The amendments will allow head teachers even more authority to deny a leave of absence request and be tighter on enforcing fines of up to £120 per child. With this deadline looming, it is more important than ever that people get behind this campaign."

The beach may be cheap but flying there in summer isn't...it's estimated prices rise by around 40 per cent during the school holidays

Mr Singer also said the campaign would put pressure on the government to "reduce or remove" APD on flights during school breaks.

He commented: "Removing or reducing APD on flights during the summer holidays is a gesture the UK government could easily make to show it is not penalising families who are increasingly restricted on when they can travel together as a family. We urge the government to help families across the UK have access to more affordable travel."

Air Passenger Duty was introduced in 1994 and has risen steadily since. A family of four flying in economy class to Florida would pay a total of £268 in APD while a European trip for four people would currently cost £52.

A spokesperson for ABTA, the Travel Association, told MailOnline Travel that parents should book early to try and secure better deals during the school breaks.

“Prices increase in line with demand and schools have traditionally taken their breaks at times of the year when the weather is good and demand is high, not just from other families but from holidaymakers across all of Europe.

Unfair? A family holiday to Florida carries a cost of over £200 in APD

"Allowing schools the option to stagger their holiday dates could go some way to address the issue of increased demand during school holidays as not all families would want to go away at the same time.

"Unlike the no-frills airlines, many tour operators offer free places for children so booking early can also ensure you don’t miss out on these.”

On the issue of APD, ABTA added: “The current sky high levels of APD are unacceptable and we are calling on the Government to review this tax to ensure it doesn’t price families out of flying.”