FairFX analyses 34 return flights and found that all were more expensive during half term than the week before, with the average flight cost being hiked by £102 during the break.

The currency firm is urging holidaymakers to plan ahead and avoid triple threat of travel restrictions, currency fluctuations and price hikes.

Comparing 34 return flights from five airports across the UK, FairFX found that flights during half term cost an average of 81% more than the same flight just a week earlier.

FairFX looked at return flights from Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow, Newcastle and Bristol airport, to destinations that are still currently part of the UK’s travel corridor. These include Larnaca in Cyprus, Rome in Italy, Berlin in Germany, and Rhodes in Greece.

The study found return flights from Manchester to Berlin shot up by 295% (equivalent to £130 per person) when flying out the weekend half-term begins compared to the weekend before.

Meanwhile, return flights between Bristol and Rhodes rose by £331 per person for the same comparison.

Ian Strafford-Taylor, CEO of FairFX, says: “It’s no secret that trips abroad tend to cost more during school holidays because of the supply and demand mechanic behind pricing strategies, but some of the price hikes facing families this year are downright scandalous.

“Many families will be wanting to keep children in school after so much classroom time was missed at the start of the year, but in doing so, are facing hundreds of pounds being added to the cost of their holidays.

“Holidaymakers are having to contend with a triple-threat at the moment thanks to the changing list of countries exempt from quarantine rules, and the impact Covid-19 and Brexit negotiations are having on the strength of the pound. To add unfair flight hikes to the list means people are being hit hard from all directions.

“As we’ve seen over recent months, things can and are changing quickly. If you are thinking of travelling abroad, it’s worth not only keeping an eye on updates to travel restrictions, but also watching closely to see what the pound is doing if you want to get more for your money.”