EasyJet Says Ski Flights Business Booming Despite Weaker Pound

EasyJet is the latest in a line of travel providers to say they're seeing growth in their ski route sales this winter despite the weaker value of the pound, problematic snow conditions and 'Brexit uncertainties.'

Traffic from the UK to airports serving ski areas was up 12 percent in February, a higher percentage growth than for EasyJet's network as a whole, which was 10.5 percent, the company said.

EasyJet's prices hit very high levels on some routes on peak dates during the February half-term school holiday period when one ski travel company said it was cheaper to book out a private charter than pay for 50 tickets at EasyJet's high prices at that point. However EasyJet's latest published figures are on number of seats sold, not on profits.

The figures indicate "continued increased demand for ski, particularly from the U.K., demonstrating strong levels of consumer confidence," a representative for the Luton-based company said in a statement.

Some commentators are interpreting the positive results of EasyJet and others as, effectively, Brits having one last party before Brexit reality hits or as an indication that Brexit gloom is not warranted and will result in boom times of which we're already seeing these first examples …depending on which side of the debate the commentator is on.

Easy Jet carried 5.34 million people in February and also noted that so far the weaker pound hasn't resulted in a boom in people wanting to visit the UK from abroad on their services.

I use EJ several times a year, often Edinburgh to Munich, but other destinations too. Prices are generally good, the luggage is very sensible, (no upper limit on weight of hand baggage).
I pay extra for front row extra leg room, thus allowing me first on and off. (I am fairly tall, so need the leg room).

Weaker pound? I have a history of Mac ski budgets going back a while. Hence in January 2010, I was able to buy Euros at the rate of 1.08, c/w todays 1.12, and a few weeks back 1.15.

Brexit is a decision largely based on personal experiences and decisions. I worked in Austria prior to the formation of the EU. Later in life, I won many European business orders, and worked in Europe and world wide. My observation is that there was little difference wherever I worked. I do note the very high costs of being a member of the EU.

Certainly, in January, the locals reported that many places in Tirol were fairly quiet. Good.

I can report that 2 weeks ago, the Dolomites were VERY crowded.

I sincerely hope that one week hence, Tirol remains quiet.....