Abolition of air tax for youngsters boosts long-haul bookings
More families are booking overseas holidays following the abolition of air passenger duty for under 12s, according to one online agency.
CheapOair claims to have seen a 24% rise in family bookings including young children to long-haul destinations last month compared to May 2014.
The most popular destinations following the abolition of APD for the youngest children include Dubai, Los Angeles, Toronto, Miami and Melbourne, it said.
APD adds up to £71 per person to a flight price to Australia and therefore the cost savings for families are significant, said CheapOair.
The tax will be removed from air fares for children under 16 years from March 2016.
Peter Grover from CheapOair said: "Ever since APD was taken off the flight prices for children under 12 we’ve seen family bookings increase by a quarter.
"The message to the Chancellor is that taxing holidays doesn’t work. More people spending money in the UK economy when booking their travel is better for the business of Britain. Holidays should be about fun and spending quality time together, without tax reform being a serious consideration when booking the family summer getaway."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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