The short answer
Packages can be cheaper and simpler, but not always. Price the package and the same flights and hotel separately, compare what is included, and ask what protection applies if something goes wrong.
What counts as a package
A package normally combines flights with accommodation, and sometimes transfers or other services, sold together at one price. Booking separately means choosing the flights and the hotel yourself. Both can work well, and the best one depends on your destination, dates and how much you want to organise.
How to compare fairly
| Compare | Package | Booking separately |
|---|---|---|
| Price | One total price | Add up flights, hotel and extras |
| Flexibility | Usually tied to the package terms | More freedom to change one part |
| Choice of flights | May be fixed | You choose airline, times and fares |
| Who to call if something goes wrong | One company | Several companies |
| Protection | Ask what applies | Depends on what you book |
Ask for the full price including all taxes, fees and what is not included, such as transfers, meals and baggage.
Protection if something goes wrong
In the UK, some packages that include flights are protected under schemes such as ATOL, depending on how and by whom they are sold. Ask whoever you book through whether your booking is protected, what exactly is covered, and to see the paperwork. The Civil Aviation Authority explains the scheme on its ATOL protection page.
When a package works well
- You want a simple one-price holiday, such as a beach week.
- You are travelling to a resort destination where flights and hotels are sold together widely.
- You prefer one company to deal with.
When booking separately works well
- You want a specific airline, airport or flight time.
- You are visiting family and need flights only, or a hotel for just part of the trip.
- You are building a multi-stop trip.
Choosing the hotel and location
A hotel that looks cheap can cost more in transport if it is far from where you plan to spend time. Check the distance to the airport, the beach or the city centre and how you will get there. Read recent guest reviews on independent sites and compare them with the hotel's own description.
Questions to ask before you book
| Ask | Why |
|---|---|
| What is the total price, including taxes and fees? | Avoid surprises |
| What exactly is included? | Flights, bags, transfers, meals |
| What are the change and cancellation terms? | Plans can change |
| Is the booking protected, and can I see the paperwork? | Know what happens if a company fails |
| Who do I contact if something goes wrong while I am away? | One number is easier than several |
Packages beyond the beach
Packages are not only for resorts. City breaks to places such as Istanbul or New York can also be priced as flights plus hotel. If you are visiting family and only need flights, a flight-only booking is simpler.
Who each option suits
| Traveller | Often suits |
|---|---|
| Couple wanting a beach week with minimal planning | Package |
| Family visiting relatives who need only flights | Flights only |
| Traveller building a multi-stop trip | Separate bookings or a multi-city ticket |
| Group wanting one point of contact | Package, with clear terms |
How to read a quote line by line
- Flights: airline, departure and arrival times, airports, baggage.
- Hotel: name, location, room type, board basis (room only, breakfast, half board, all inclusive).
- Extras: transfers, insurance, any fees.
- Terms: how to change or cancel, and what protection applies.
Get both prices
Tell us your dates and budget through our holiday quote form and we will price a package and the same trip as separate flights and a hotel so you can compare. For flights only, use the flight search.
Fares, baggage rules and entry requirements change. Always confirm current details with the airline and the official sources linked above before you travel.