Flying, fuel and the joys of getting away

If you’ve been hovering over the book now button recently, you’re not alone.

Global headlines have a way of creeping into perfectly good travel daydreams. Talk of rising fuel prices, unrest in parts of the Middle East, and vague mentions of “shortages” can make even the most seasoned traveller wonder whether now is really the right moment to commit.

So let’s press pause on the noise – and take a look at the reality.

The truth is refreshingly straightforward: there’s still plenty of time to travel in 2026, and there’s no reason to hold off. Flights are operating as planned, jet fuel supplies are stable, and the Government’s own guidance is clear that passengers do not need to change – or delay – their travel plans.

What’s actually happening with jet fuel?

Despite the headlines, UK airlines are not seeing a shortage of jet fuel. Fuel is typically purchased well in advance, and airports maintain reserves specifically to protect against disruption. This built‑in resilience means airline schedules are not reliant on last‑minute supply.

While the Government is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East – as you’d expect – it’s doing so alongside airlines, airports and international partners, with one shared priority: keeping flights operating smoothly and passengers moving.

The upshot? There’s no need to delay booking a holiday because of fuel concerns.

But what about prices?

It’s easy to assume that any mention of fuel automatically means higher fares – but travel pricing doesn’t quite work like that.

Costs are usually secured long before departure. Flights, accommodation and logistics are planned together well ahead of time, helping to shield travellers from short‑term fluctuations in the fuel market. And we’ve gone one step further: no fuel surcharges, guaranteed, alongside a bundle of added‑value extras worth up to £500, included as part of our Summer Sailings package.

If 2026 is calling, now is a very sensible time to answer.

What if something changes later on?

Under UK law, if a flight is cancelled, passengers are entitled to either a full refund or re‑routing to an alternative flight, depending on their preference. These rights apply to flights departing the UK, arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline, or arriving in the EU on a UK airline.

On top of that, aviation rules have been temporarily adjusted so airlines don’t feel pressured to operate flights unnecessarily just to protect airport slots – allowing them to focus instead on minimising disruption for passengers if challenges arise.

And when you travel with us, your holiday is protected from the moment you book. ABTA and ATOL protection is included as standard, meaning your money – and your holiday – are fully safeguarded, whatever the wider picture may be.

A few more reasons to book with confidence

Travelling with Riviera brings its own quiet reassurances – the kind that only come from doing things properly for over 40 years.

• Tour Managers and Cruise Directors travel with you throughout your holiday, guiding the way, smoothing the details and providing a friendly, knowledgeable constant from start to finish.
• 24/7 emergency support, with a UK‑based team available day or night – just in case you ever need us (we hope you won’t).
• Our Price Promise, so if the price drops after you book, you won’t miss out.
• Our Quality Promise ensures you won’t find the same holiday for less without compromising on what matters.
• And our Happiness Guarantee – if you’re not happy by day two, we’ll bring you home with a full refund.

Plus, we’ve been Which? Recommended for 14 years, are rated Excellent on Trustpilot and Feefo, and 96% of our guests say they would travel with us again – which, to us, says more than any headline ever could.

So while the world may never be free of headlines, the evidence right now points to a very simple truth: 2026 is a great year to travel – and there are plenty of reasons to book with confidence when choosing Riviera.