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Package Holiday Price Rise After Booking
A package holiday price rise must be notified at least 20 days before the package starts, with a justification and calculation. If the rise is more than 8% of the total price, you can end the contract without a fee, and the refund must be paid within 14 days. If the company makes another significant change, such as a different resort, you can also cancel for free.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Changes and Cancelling
Price Rises
Price rises must be notified at the latest 20 days before the package starts, with a justification and calculation. If a rise is more than 8% of the total price, you can end the contract without a termination fee (regulations 10 and 11). Refunds on termination must be paid no later than 14 days afterwards (regulation 14). source
Significant Changes
If the company makes a significant change (for example a different resort) or fails to meet an agreed special request, you can cancel for free and get your money back, or accept an alternative if one is offered. source
Cancelling Before You Go
You can end a package at any time before it starts, but may be charged a fee. No fee is due if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination significantly affect the package (regulation 12). source
Problems at the Destination
Exceptional circumstances at the destination, such as war or a natural disaster, give a full refund but no compensation (Citizens Advice). source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 20 daysWritten notice of a price riseAt least 20 days before departure
- 8%Cancel free if the price rise is over8%
- 14 daysRefund after a cancelled packageWithin 14 days of the cancellation
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check the date of the notice: a price rise must be notified at least 20 days before departure.
Step 2 of 5
Work out the rise as a percentage of the total price you paid.
Step 3 of 5
If it is more than 8%, or the notice was late, tell the company in writing that you are ending the contract without a fee. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 4 of 5
Your refund must be paid within 14 days.
Step 5 of 5
If the company refuses, ask your card provider about Section 75 or a chargeback, or use ABTA’s scheme if it is a member.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Card Provider: Section 75 or Chargeback
You paid by card and the company has not put it right. Use the Financial Ombudsman Service if the card provider refuses.
ABTA Complaint, Mediation or Arbitration
The company is an ABTA member and has not put the problem right. A fee applies for mediation or arbitration.
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133
You are not sure whether you have a package holiday or what to do next.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Keep the price rise notice and the justification the company gave you.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/made Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/cancelling-a-package-holiday Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/getting-your-money-back-if-you-paid-by-card-or-paypal Checked 8 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/claim-compensation-for-a-holiday Checked 12 October 2026