March 2026


KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - FROM HIDDEN FEES TO TOURIST TAX...


TRAVEL businesses are being urged to be aware of its pricing clarity,


as travellers prepare


to jet off this summer. Travel has seen a significant hike in number, with passengers flying for the UK reaching record- breaking numbers in 2025. 2026 is set to allude to similar figures. With the heightened demand, mixed with changes to visas, ESTAs and local taxes, it's important


that both travellers


and businesses alike understand and acknowledge the importance of price clarity. Travel body ABTA has highlighted that the CMA’s pricing guidance must include all unavoidable taxes and fees payable at hotels, ports or airports. The rules apply to all businesses who provide prices to consumers, including


travel agents. ABTA


has also highlighted that agents will be selling packages priced by suppliers, however the CMA stated that they still need to ensure that the prices given to consumers are showing the full total. Tour operators have already started to incorporate all mandatory charges including taxes and fees into their prices. Speaking on the changes, Paula Macfarlane, Senior Solicitor


at ABTA said, “All travel companies should be aware of the CMA’s guidance.“Although in relation to package holiday sales,


the


main responsibility will remain with tour operators


take steps to ensure


that whatever they are offering to customers, the price includes unavoidable taxes and fees payable on arrival or departure at hotels, ports or airports.“The CMA guidance contains some examples that are relevant to travel agents such as how to include local taxes in an advert for accommodation only.” The Northern Ireland Consumer Council has also provided an outlook for travellers from NI on what to look out for this summer before booking their travel.


‘Low-cost fares allow many consumers the opportunity to travel affordably,


whether


by land, sea, or air, but it is important to consider any


additional requirements as extras can be costly. Consumer law is clear that information must not be false, misleading, or confusing and that organisations must provide consumers with all the information they need to make an informed decision. Optional extras (e.g. baggage, insurance,


to ensure


that they are compliant, agents


should also


www.nitravelnews.com


seat selection) must be offered on an “opt in” basis.’


The body council continued,


“We would advise consumers to shop around and compare things like cabin baggage policies to ensure value for money when booking a flight. Cabin baggage allowances differ significantly between


airlines.For


UPDATES | 13


Travellers Urged to Be ‘Aware’ of Situation Amidst US Global Entry Suspension


example,


consumers should consider what size of luggage they will need and check size limits very carefully as these can be strictly enforced and very costly. If you do need to take larger


or additional cabin bags


with you it is advisable to pay for this when booking the flight to avoid additional charges or having it placed in the aircraft hold.” Travellers can visit the Consumer Council website, which provides information on your rights. The organisation


also investigates


unresolved complaints on behalf of consumers for transport providers in Northern Ireland.


If you


experience an issue, or need to make a claim for compensation, contact the provider directly first. If you're unhappy with the response,


or they haven’t responded


to you within their agreed time limit, you can then refer this to the Consumer Council who can investigate this on your behalf. The message is clear - price clarity and an understanding of where your money is going is paramount this holiday season.


TRAVELLERS have been left frustrated after the Department of Homeland Security suspends the Global Entry Programme. The suspension comes during a partial government shutdown, with staff shortages getting much of the blame.


The DHS made the decision on Saturday (21 February) which seen the planned suspension for both the Global Entry Programme and the PreCheck Programme. It was then reversed for PreCheck, with the Global Entry Programme suspension remaining in place. The suspension is expected the last throughout the duration of the partial government shutdown.


The popular programme allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers expedited entry into the U.S at select airports. It helps reduce passport control lines, includes a TSA PreCheck and speeds up security screening.


Speaking on the planned suspension, Andrea Caulfield- Smith,


Global Business Travel for Advantage Travel Partnership encouraged travellers to be aware of the situation, “Following the news that the


Managing Director of


Department of Homeland Security plans to suspend the Global Entry programme, it is vital that those travelling to the United States for business are aware of how this may affect their upcoming travel plans, and the negative financial implications it could have. The Global Entry system makes overseas travel significantly quicker and easier, and without this, travellers will feel the impact on speed, ease and efficiency, as wait times increase. Travellers will need


to of incorporate


extra time into their travels due to the risk queues


and


security checks. Furthermore,


longer existing


meetings planned around arrivals previously expedited by Global Entry may need to be rescheduled to accommodate potential delays and those who have already applied via the Global Entry system may need to review or update their travel documents to accommodate these changes. Where business travellers have concerns, we encourage them to contact the Travel Management Company or corporate travel agency that booked their trip, to seek advice and the latest travel updates.”


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