Holidaymakers warned over 'confusing' new package deals

New, more complicated pricing structures have made it increasingly difficult for holidaymakers to choose a package deal, a consumer watchdog said yesterday.

Three out of the four big holiday companies have changed the make-up of their packages in next year's brochures, confusing customers about what "extras" they need and how much they cost.

Holiday Which? discovered extra charges for transfers, in-flight meals, accommodation, pre-bookable seating, bigger luggage allowances and shorter check-in times. But with the most basic packages, for example Airtours' Sundeal and Thomas Cook's Basic, accommodation is allocated on arrival and there is no guarantee that it will be from the tour operator's brochure.

Patricia Yates, editor of Holiday Which?, said competition from budget airlines which was encouraging people to arrange their own holidays, had led to tour operators trying to achieve a lower "lead-in" price for their holidays. Airtours, JMC (part of Thomas Cook) and Thomson have all changed their price structures. Only First Choice has kept packages as they were with no tiers, although its Unijet brand charges extra for transfers.

Ms Yates said: "Brochures have always been a minefield with all the supplements you have to add to get the final cost. The new tiering system will add extra confusion and consumers need to be sure they price up the holiday with all the extras to get a true price and shop around at travel agents."

Researchers found that costs were inflated by flying from a "regional" airport. JMC charges a surcharge of £179 per person for flying from Glasgow to the Costa del Sol, or £716 extra for a family of four. The researchers also warned that free places for children did not count towards occupancy when booking self-catering. A family of four booking a one-bedroom apartment at Kipriotis Village in Kos with First Choice would pay £1,120 extra in under-occupancy charges. It would save them £176 on the total holiday cost if they classed the children as adults.

Using the latest brochures, Holiday Which? chose the same summer holiday for a family of three at the Sol Magalluf Park in Majorca, featured by all the big four operators. Prices were compared using flights from Gatwick airport. The cheapest holiday, according to the brochures, was with Airtours, and worked out £507 cheaper than the most expensive brochure price with JMC. With early-booking discounts through high-street travel agents, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive package was only £33.