Jet2 and TUI are the two biggest family package operators in the UK and most parents end up comparing them at some point. They look similar, they price similarly, and they fly to similar places. But they win on different trips, and picking the right one for your trip saves £150 to £400 for a family of four. We compare both every week for the families we work with. Here is the honest, current breakdown of where each one wins, where each one loses, and how to decide for your specific holiday.
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The headline differences
Jet2 Holidays is the smaller of the two but has grown fastest in the last five years on the back of strong customer service, included 22kg bags, and reliable on time flying. TUI is the legacy package giant with the largest hotel portfolio, the strongest long haul presence, and TUI branded resorts that you cannot book through other operators.
Both are ATOL protected. Both include flights, hotel and transfers in the standard package. Both have a low deposit option that lets you spread the cost. The differences are in flight network, hotel range, baggage policy, and the specific weeks they run promotions.
| Feature | Jet2 Holidays | TUI |
|---|---|---|
| UK airport coverage | 11 airports | 21 airports |
| Baggage in standard package | 22kg checked, 10kg cabin | Hand luggage only on most fares, 22kg add on |
| Hotel range | Smaller, curated | Much larger, includes TUI Sensatori, Sensimar, Magic Life |
| Long haul | Limited | Strong, especially to the Caribbean and Mexico |
| Average flight delay 2025 | 12 minutes | 27 minutes |
| Customer service ranking 2025 | Top 3 | Mid table |
Where Jet2 wins: shorter European AI
Jet2 is the better choice for 7 to 10 night all inclusive trips to Spain, Greece, Turkey and Portugal. The standard fare includes the 22kg bag, the on time record is the best of any UK operator, and the customer service when things go wrong is genuinely above average.
Specific trips Jet2 wins on for 2026 include Majorca, Tenerife, Crete, Rhodes, Antalya and the Algarve. The price difference versus TUI on the same hotel and same week is usually £30 to £80 in Jet2's favour once you add bags, but the experience advantage is the bigger draw.
Jet2's weakness in this category is the smaller hotel range. If TUI has a TUI branded property in your area, you cannot book it through Jet2. Jet2's portfolio of independent hotels is strong but you get fewer options to compare.
Where TUI wins: long haul, TUI branded resorts, and big family rooms
TUI wins on three specific categories. First, anywhere long haul. Caribbean, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives. TUI runs more flights, owns more rooms, and has more package deals than any UK competitor. Jet2 does not really compete here.
Second, TUI branded resorts like Sensatori, Magic Life, Sensimar and Family Life. These are operated to a higher and more consistent standard than the average package hotel, and the Family Life properties specifically are built around UK family expectations (kids clubs in English, slide parks, family suites). They are also exclusive to TUI.
Third, big family rooms. TUI's portfolio includes more proper family suites with two bedrooms than Jet2's. For a family of five or with three children, TUI usually has more rooms that fit your family at sensible prices.
The baggage trap that catches families
Most TUI fares now include cabin bag only as standard. The 22kg checked bag is an add on of £35 to £55 each way per person. For a family of four with two bags, that is £140 to £220 added to the price. Jet2 includes the 22kg bag in the headline price.
When you compare a Jet2 quote and a TUI quote, always add the TUI bag fee in. The headline TUI price often looks cheaper by £80 to £120 and is actually more expensive once bags are included.
TUI sells multi bag bundles that bring the per bag price down. Worth doing if you are committed to TUI for the trip. The break even versus Jet2 usually disappears once you add a multi bag pack.
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On time performance and what to do when things go wrong
Jet2 has been top of the UK on time performance rankings every year since 2021. The average flight delay in 2025 was 12 minutes. TUI averages 27 minutes. For an evening flight back to the UK with overtired children, this matters more than the price difference.
Both operators handle delays better than budget airlines, with vouchers and rebooking. Jet2 has the better customer service team, faster response times, and a more flexible policy on rebooking when things go wrong. TUI is fine but more bureaucratic.
If your family has tight school start dates or hates flight chaos, Jet2 is the safer choice even when slightly more expensive.
How to pick for your specific trip
If you are doing 7 to 10 nights of European AI to a mainstream destination and your departure airport is on Jet2's network, start with Jet2. Compare TUI only if Jet2 does not have the hotel you want or the price gap is over £150 in TUI's favour all in.
If you are doing long haul, going to a TUI branded resort, or you have five or more in the family, start with TUI. Compare other operators only after you have the TUI quote because TUI's long haul portfolio is genuinely deeper.
If you are doing a city break, neither. Both are package operators built around resort holidays. For a city break, use the airline plus hotel separately or Booking.com.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jet2 always cheaper than TUI?
No. Once you add baggage to a TUI quote, Jet2 is usually cheaper by £30 to £80 for the same hotel and week. But TUI runs promotions that flip this 4 to 6 weeks a year, and on long haul TUI is usually cheaper.
Which is better for families with young children?
Both are good. Jet2 has slightly more friendly cabin crew on average and includes the bag, which matters when you are travelling with prams. TUI has more dedicated family resorts. Pick on hotel suitability not airline.
What about EasyJet Holidays?
EasyJet Holidays is the third major UK family operator. Cheaper than both Jet2 and TUI on flights but the hotel range is much smaller and the package experience is closer to DIY. Worth checking on short European trips.
Should I book direct or through a travel agent?
Direct with the operator for both Jet2 and TUI. Both price the same direct as through an agent for standard packages. Agents add commission for no extra value on these brands.
Can I compare both with one search?
Not directly. Each operator only shows its own inventory. You have to search both sites separately or use a comparison service like ours that prices both for you.
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