Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
01 December 2014 10:32
Flying from Scotland could become cheaper under new tax powers
Travelling from Scotland could become cheaper for air passengers, following a new deal on tax powers between governments north and south of the border.
A pledge to transfer powers from the UK to the Scottish government could see air taxes dramatically cut, or even scrapped.
The move would be welcomed by those travelling abroad, freeing up extra cash for holiday essentials such as travel insurance and spending money.
Currently, the air passenger duty (APD) in Britain ranges between £13 and £194, depending on how far you are travelling and the class of ticket you buy.
But any move by the Scottish government to slash the tax or get rid of it altogether would make it much cheaper to fly from Scotland than rival airports in England, which may tempt some passengers to rethink where they plan to fly from - particularly if they were already departing from northern airports such as Newcastle.
The tax is disliked by travel companies and airlines, who are concerned that it has a negative impact on the UK economy. They would welcome any cut in Scotland, raising the prospect of more air routes being opened up from the country.
IAG CEO Willie Walsh said families would see a distinct benefit. The boss of the British Airways owner said a family of four heading on holiday to the US would see a saving of £276.
That is money that could be spent on extra excursions while abroad or even on extending the holiday.
Mr Walsh also said that scrapping the tax would provide a boost to the tourism industry in Scotland, suggesting the move could bring in an extra £200 million a year.
Any change to APD, if Scottish politicians decide to go ahead with it, will not happen before the next general election in the UK, which is due in May 2015, as the new powers will not be transferred before that date.
07 June 2019
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
[more...]
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.
Get more out of your smartphone when you go travelling by downloading these travel apps and make your trip easier at the touch of a button.
24 May 2019
Heading to the football in Baku but don't know what else to do? Explore the hip and trendy crossroad of Europe and the Middle East and experience the fast-growing phenomenon, Azerbaijan.
Two of London's top football teams head east in search of silverware on May 29. If you're heading to Baku for the final, here's our guide on what you need to know before you go...
17 May 2019
There's more to Monaco than the Grand Prix. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean principality with our guide to what you must see in Monaco.
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.