Jet2 vs TUI Holidays 2026: Which Airline Offers the Best Value?
Planning a getaway for Summer 2026? If you are stuck between the two giants of UK travel—Jet2holidays and TUI—you aren’t alone. As we move into the peak booking window for 2026, both brands are fighting for your booking with aggressive promo codes and low-deposit schemes.
I’ve spent the last week digging through the fine print of both providers to see who actually offers the best “hack” for your money. Whether you’re a family of four or a couple looking for luxury, the “winner” might surprise you.
The Head-to-Head Comparison
To keep things transparent, here is how the two providers stack up based on current 2026 booking data.
| Feature | Jet2 Holidays 2026 | TUI Holidays 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Baggage | 22kg Included | 15kg - 20kg (Route dependent) |
| Deposit | £60pp | £0 - £25pp (Direct Debit) |
| Transfers | Always Included | Often an optional extra |
| Best Promo Code | SAVEONSUMMER (£100pp off) | BEACHTIME (Up to £300 off) |
| Free Child Places | One per 2 adults | Available on select resorts |
1. Baggage: The Jet2 Advantage
One of the biggest “hidden” costs in travel is luggage. Jet2holidays continues to lead the market here by offering a generous 22kg hold bag as standard for 2026 bookings.
In contrast, many TUI deals default to 15kg or 20kg. While 2kg doesn’t sound like a lot, for a family of four, Jet2 provides an extra 8kg–28kg of total weight. If you’re a heavy packer, Jet2 is almost always the better value choice.
2. Deposits: The TUI Flexibility
If you want to secure your 2026 holiday today without a large upfront cost, TUI wins. Their £0 deposit scheme (when setting up a Direct Debit) is a game-changer for those looking to spread the cost over the next 18 months.
Jet2 maintains a flat £60 per person deposit. While still reasonable, it requires more “ready cash” on booking day.
3. The “Hack”: Hidden Transfer Costs
When comparing prices, many travelers forget to check the coach transfers. Jet2 includes these in the package price. With TUI, particularly on their “flight-only” or “accommodation-only” hybrids, you may find an extra £30-£50 added at the final checkout screen for airport transfers. Always check the “Total Price” before making your decision.
Expert Tip: I have already analyzed the best places to stay for 2026. If you’ve decided to go with Jet2, make sure to check out my full guide on Jet2 Holidays 2026: 47 Deals I Found to see which resorts currently offer the best value.
Sophie’s Final Verdict: Who Wins for 2026?
- Choose Jet2 if: You value baggage allowance, reliable service from regional airports, and transparent “all-in” pricing.
- Choose TUI if: You want the lowest possible upfront cost (£0 deposit) and are looking for exclusive “TUI BLUE” or luxury “Sensatori” properties that aren’t available elsewhere.
Both airlines are offering massive discounts for Summer 2026 right now. My advice? Open both sites in separate tabs, apply the codes SAVEONSUMMER (Jet2) and BEACHTIME (TUI), and see which one hits your budget sweet spot.
Sophie Marlowe is a travel researcher and co-founder of Cheap Holiday Hacks. She specializes in data-driven holiday testing and has personally reviewed over 50 Mediterranean resorts.