Danish travel agencies issue unexpected fuel surcharges to customers

Several Danish travel agencies, including Bravo Tours, Primo Tours, and Best Travel, have begun sending additional invoices to customers who booked package holidays, citing soaring fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions, DR reports.

Peder Hornshøj, director of Bravo Tours, confirmed the company is charging customers extra fees—between 200 and 270 Danish kroner (approx. €27–36) per person—to offset a roughly 120% increase in aviation fuel prices since February. “The world is in turmoil, and this isn’t something we enjoy doing,” he told DR. “But fuel costs rise daily, and under package travel laws, we’re entitled to recover a portion—up to 8% of the total trip price—to stay viable.”

The surcharges follow disruptions in global oil supply chains, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of the world’s oil. While Bravo Tours pre-purchased some fuel to mitigate costs, Hornshøj acknowledged prices remain volatile. “We’re not in control—war dictates these terms,” he said.

Other major agencies, including TUI, Spies, Apollo Rejser, and Sunweb, told DR they will not issue surcharges. Under Danish law, price adjustments must be clearly communicated at booking and notified at least 20 days before departure.

Esben Grønborg Geist of the Danish Consumer Council Tænk urged agencies to improve transparency. “Consumers have little recourse if terms were clear upfront,” he said, adding that unclear pricing could be challenged via the Package Travel Complaints Board. “These are harsh terms for travellers, so agencies must be explicit when selling trips.”