New research from Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has revealed a significant shift in British travel patterns this year, with holidaymakers swapping traditional weekend departures for midweek getaways.
*All details correct at time of publish (28 April 2026)
An analysis of APH.com booking data from the first quarter of 2026 (January – March) compared to the same period in 2025*, shows that while overall travel is on the rise, weekday bookings between Monday and Thursday are growing nearly twice as fast as weekend bookings.
The figures highlight a clear trend towards British travellers choosing to travel at less crowded times and when flights, hotels and airport parking are more affordable.
For example, a passenger flying from London Heathrow to Marseille with British Airways will pay £405.45 for an Economy flight when flying from Friday to Friday in May, but the same flight drops to £232.45 when travelling from Tuesday to Tuesday the same week – a significant saving of £173 per passenger**.
With midweek flights generally less busy and offering better value, the research shows UK travellers’ decision-making is currently driven by cost-efficiency and ease when it comes to booking trips abroad.
Key findings from the APH research include:
- Weekday bookings increased by 17% year-on-year.
- Wednesday and Thursday have emerged as the fastest-growing days for airport parking stays, followed closely by Tuesday.
- February 2026 saw the strongest year-on-year growth for weekday performance, suggesting that winter sun-seekers and families are looking for midweek flexibility.
Nick Caunter, Managing Director of Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com), said: “We’re seeing a change in holiday habits each year with British travellers becoming savvier when it comes to planning their time away.
“By changing their departure to the middle of the week, holidaymakers are finding better offers, quieter airports and enjoying a more relaxed start and end to the holiday. Our data shows travellers are prioritising value-for-money but without compromising on the quality of their travel experience.”
For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH), visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859515.
*Data sourced from bookings made across all UK airport parking products available with Airport Parking and Hotels APH.com.
** Costs based on a flight booked directly with British Airways flying from London Heathrow to Marseille in an Economy Seat without baggage. Travel dates based on Friday 15 May – Friday 22 May and Tuesday 12 May – Tuesday 19 May 2026.
