Originally Posted by
Jack33
I agree - business return MAN - BKK which used to be around £2,300 is now nearly double. Don't want to waste my Travel Bank on overpriced fares when I can get much cheaper elsewhere. However my Travel Bank will expire next year. I think they are taking advantage and increasing prices because they know that people are sat on Travel Banks and need to spend them. It's definitely Etihad specific because there are decent fares with other airlines eg Finnair and Lufthansa, and even TG.
I do not believe that the Travel Bank holdings have too much sway on prices TBH.
There are a few factors that you need to take into consideration that affect flight prices ATM and specifically UK originating flights. I have 2 flights this year MAN-AUH in Y one in July one in Oct. They are both considerably more expensive than comparable flights from 2019 - before COVID decimated everyone's travelling habits.
Weak £ vs $. As UAE Dirham is pegged to $, flight prices are calculated in AED, so prices are higher as UK origin flights are priced in £ Sterling.
APD UK Tax - £84 for international departures from UK hubs - e.g MAN this has steadily risen over the last few years
YQF (SERVICE FEE - CARRIER-IMPOSED FUEL) - July £121 and £131 for October both about 25% of the fare, again more than doubled or more since 2019.
Yes there is probably some "profiteering" going on to recoup losses from the COVID period and so many people eager to get flying again. but Travel Bank is only a small factor IMO.