The world’s most economical and overpriced flight routes have been revealed.
A trip to the far-flung southeast Asian country Singapore may represent the best value for money for travellers, if based on air miles. This is because, from the UK, a single air mile costs less than three pence.
However, a trip to Brussels – a bustling capital of 500 million, renowned known for its Belgian beer tasting and art museums – is the most overpriced. Each air mile costs on average, just under 24p.
These are the results of a global study carried out by flight comparison site Kayak.
The study assessed the average cost of a one-way economy ticket from London to cities around the globe between February and May. To work out how much each air mile cost, it divided the cost by the distance flown.
“When setting their total ticket prices, airlines have to take a lot more into account than just fuel costs,” explained Kayak spokesman Neil Cartwright to The Telegraph.
“Taxes and airport fees, among other things, have to be paid regardless of flight length. So, while long-haul flights can seem expensive, they actually offer great value,” Cartwright continued.
Whilst it’s safe to expect that the further you fly, the better value you get for your money, the findings unearthed some surprises too.
After Brussels, European destinations Amsterdam, Paris and Dublin were revealed as the most overpriced routes. The 55-minute flight to London to Amsterdam costs a hefty 17.2p every air mile.
This may put off potential holidaymakers who may turn to Eurostar’s newly launched £35 one-way fares as an alternative.
The roughly one hour and five minute flight to Paris, also was deemed to be expensive. The 214-mile trip averaged just over 19p per air mile.
Dublin is also another top holiday destination for Britons, with just over two million of us visiting our neighbours in 2017. Travelling the one hour and 15-minute flight will cost you 12.46 per air mile.
However, by nature short haul flights are likely to offer worse value for money per mile because they are travelling shorter distances but airlines must charge taxes and airport fees.
Results: The most economical and overpriced flight routes (per mile)
Singapore – 2.92p
Los Angeles – 3.43p
Bucharest – 4.02p
Larnaca – 4.35p
Sofia – 4.43p
Chicago – 4.54p
Madrid – 4.67p
Athens – 4.68p
Boston – 4.69p
Oslo – 4.94p
San Francsico – 8.47p
Vienna – 8.65p
Munich – 9.11p
Tokyo – 10.31p
Dublin – 12.46p
Miami – 12.94p
Amsterdam – 17.2p
Atlanta – 18.97p
Paris – 19.13p
Brussels – 23.73p
