On the Beach has launched a ‘Price Drop Protection’ plan that allows holidaymakers to claim back the difference if their holiday costs less after they have booked it
As we bid farewell to January, it’s only natural for Brits to start dreaming of sun-soaked getaways and begin booking their summer holidays. However, with post-Christmas budgets often stretched thin, any strategy to cut down on travel expenses is a welcome relief.
On the Beach, a prominent travel retailer, has introduced an ingenious ‘Price Drop Protection’ scheme that allows holidaymakers to reclaim money if their holiday price drops after they’ve booked. This policy ensures customers secure the best deal on their vacation without any fuss.
If the cost of your holiday decreases at any point after booking and up to 60 days before departure, you’re eligible to claim back the difference, regardless of the amount. However, this saving opportunity has a limited window; it’s only available for bookings made by midnight on February 3rd.
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As reported by Wales Online, Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach, shed light on the rationale behind such a bold initiative: “We know that a whopping 75% of holiday wanting Brits are worried about prices going up if they wait, yet many are willing to take the risk to see if they can secure a better deal.”
With the launch of their ‘Price Drop Protection’, On the Beach aims to remove the uncertainty associated with booking holidays: “We’re now eliminating all risk, anxiety, stress and worry for customers with our industry first Price Drop Protection. Customers are guaranteed the lowest price and if it does drop, fear not, because you can claim the difference back.”
On the Beach, customers can also bag free airport lounge access this summer, with full details available on its website. To unlock this luxury, you need to book a five-star holiday to gain free entry into the airport lounge.
For instance, if you fancy wrapping up the summer in grandeur, consider reserving the five-star Ixian Grand and All Suites hotel in Rhodes, Greece for £1,151 per person. This all-inclusive package bundles hotel and flights, and you’ll pocket an £84 saving on lounge entry with this trip.
Another offer that comes with complimentary lounge access is the Eden Roc Resort Hotel package in Rhodes. With a choice of eight different restaurants and beachfront vistas, it’s a lavish holiday that delivers a slice of paradise even before your flight takes off.
If Cyprus is more up your alley, an all-inclusive five-star holiday at the Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris Beach Hotel and Spa, including flights from Manchester, for £1,150 will grant you free lounge access pre-flight. Nestled in Paphos, this adults-only hotel offers breathtaking sea views.
It’s crucial to note that not all deals include hold luggage, so if you’re planning to pack a little extra and need a bag in the hold, make sure you factor that into your holiday search. You can explore On the Beach’s holidays here.
Ever pondered if airport lounge access is worth the extra cash? One of our reporters shared their experience from last year: “Passengers typically pay a fixed fee to access a lounge, in exchange for a variety of food and drink options tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Departures waiting area. Manchester Airport, which serves over 160 destinations, boasts nine lounges across its three terminals.
“The Escape Lounge offers ‘an oasis of calm’ and is the most budget-friendly choice, priced at £28.99 per person (accurate at time of original writing). Having never experienced a lounge before, I decided to test out this claim at Terminal 1 and I can’t believe I waited so long.
“The stress of navigating through a crowded security checkpoint began to dissipate, replaced by a fluttering sense of anticipation as I followed the signs to the airport lounge. As I strolled down the corridor towards the lounge entrance, it evoked the feeling of checking into a hotel.
“I was welcomed at the door by two staff members and provided my name I had pre-booked and paid for my slot online, which required selecting an approximate entry time. I was then offered the option to sit at either a dining table or a coffee table.
“The lounge is impressively spacious, boasting an array of seating options with small coffee tables in one area and larger dining tables in another. Adorning one of the walls are clocks displaying various times around the globe, and notably, the space lacks windows.
“Upon my arrival, there were only a few others present a stark contrast to the bustling crowds I had encountered earlier. I was told I could help myself to the buffet and order drinks at the bar. So, naturally, I headed on over. A sign at the bar noted that spirits would only be served in single measures and beer and cider would be offered up in two-third pint glasses.
“I could’ve easily fallen asleep on the plane after my time in the lounge, so for longer-haul flights I would be rushing to book in again. It’s changed my approach to travel for the better and just goes to show that having some time to de-stress and a taste of luxury ahead of a stressful day of travelling really puts your mind at rest. In total, Escape Lounge access at Manchester Airport costs £29.99 per person.”
If you’re not making your booking via On the Beach and happen to possess an Amex Gold credit card, you can take full advantage of its perks and access. Alternatively, you could buy an airport lounge access pass with Priority Pass. The most budget-friendly and basic package is the ‘Standard for the Occasional Traveller’, priced at £69 annually. This means that the member and any accompanying guests will have to pay £24 for lounge access.
While many holiday websites may not offer refunds for holidays found at a lower price elsewhere, some do provide price match guarantees. This includes Love Holidays and Thomas Cook.