Jet2 airline has announced a historical change: from now on, all children under two travel freely, on both flights and vacation packages. The measure, which came into force on 22 August 2025, distinguishes the British carrier from all remaining in the European market.
More affordable family trips
According to the British newspaper Express, and with this decision, Jet2 becomes the only UK airline to offer free flights to children under two years in Europe, Canary and Mediterranean. So far, only in the jet2holidays packages these trips were free, but the rule now also encompasses the plane tickets sold in isolation.
According to the company, the measure applies only to new reserves made from the date of entry into force. To enjoy the benefit, the child must be less than two years old at the time of the trip.
More luggage at no cost
The airline also introduced changes to children’s baggage transport. Each child under two years is entitled to 10 kg free free and to take up to two additional base articles without any charge.
Accepted articles include folding baby strollers, car seats, lift seats, shades and travel cribs. Weight limitation for these items has also been eliminated.
Proximity strategy with families
Steve Heapy, Jet2.com CEO and Jet2hidays, stresses that this is another bet on families comfort: “As a family -oriented tourist and tourist operator, we always look for ways to improve travel experience. By putting our customers first and when implementing these changes, we make the holidays more affordable for millions of families.”
The new policy is followed by Jet2’s strategy to consolidate its position in the family trips segment, differing from competition through concrete benefits.
Expected impact
The measure is seen as an incentive for thousands of families seeking to reduce costs on vacation with young children. With increasingly expensive tickets in the aviation sector, exemption from rates for children under two may represent significant savings.
In addition, the greater flexibility in transporting children’s articles responds to a practical need for those traveling with babies, offering greater convenience at no additional costs.
Pressured competition
Although it is a pioneer in the UK, this decision may put pressure on other European airlines to review their price policies and services to families. So far, the transport of children under two years, even without a right to seat, has implied additional costs in most carriers.
Jet2 believes that the measure reinforces its image of company close to customers and a clear bet on family audiences, a segment that represents an important slice of its summer operations and school holidays.
Strategic change
According to the change, the change is part of a context of strong competitiveness in the aviation and tourism sector, where small advantages can influence consumers’ decision. Jet2’s goal is to increase customer loyalty and capture new families who, so far, could opt for other more economical solutions.
At the same time, this policy can reinforce brand notoriety in the European market, especially in destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Greece and Turkey, where the demand for family holidays is still high.
The British airline currently operates in Portugal from three main airports: Faro, Lisbon and Funchal. From the Algarve, the carrier offers direct flights to various cities of the United Kingdom, being Faro one of the most sought after destinations by British tourists. In Lisbon, calls also include regular routes for London, Manchester and other English cities. In Madeira, Funchal Airport is another important basis for Jet2 operations, reinforcing the connection between Portugal and the British market, especially during the high season.
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