Your support helps us to tell the story<\/p>\n
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.<\/p>\n
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.<\/p>\n
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.<\/p>\n
Your support makes all the difference.<\/strong>Read more<\/p>\n Reform<\/a> UK has pledged to abolish air passenger duty (APD) on short-haul flights for families travelling with children if it wins the next election.<\/p>\n Robert Jenrick, the party\u2019s Treasury spokesman, branded APD<\/a> a \u201cfamily holiday tax\u201d, telling a press conference near Heathrow Airport that Reform\u2019s policy would save families \u00a345 on international flights or \u00a348 for domestic flights.<\/p>\n Airlines have long called for APD \u2013 which is imposed on flights from most UK airports \u2013 to be reduced or cut, claiming this would lead to an increase in demand for travel.<\/p>\n Reform leader Nigel Farage<\/a> described the policy as a \u201cBrexit<\/a> benefit\u201d.<\/p>\n He denied the move would largely benefit those who are better-off and take more flights, saying it would be \u201cequitable and fair in every way\u201d.<\/p>\n APD rates, which are based on the length of the flight and the class of cabin, will increase from Wednesday.<\/p>\n Passengers travelling in economy will be charged \u00a38 for a domestic flight and \u00a315 for a short-haul flight, up to 2,000 miles.<\/p>\n Mr Jenrick, who defected from the Conservative Party earlier this year, described the \u00a315 rate as \u201cinsane\u201d as it represented \u201ca rate of tax of 33% on Ryanair\u2019s average ticket price\u201d.<\/p>\n Speaking on Tuesday, he said: \u201cIn our first budget, we will get rid of the family holiday tax.<\/p>\n \u201cAir passenger duty will be gone for short-haul family trips, that will save a family on average \u00a345 on their flights, whether that\u2019s abroad, or \u00a348 if they\u2019re going on holiday here in the UK.<\/p>\n \u201cThat means that if you are catching a flight, for example, as a family to Malaga, you would save 23% on the cost of your flights.<\/p>\n \u201cWe appreciate that\u2019s not a huge amount of money, but it\u2019s an important saving that will make (it) just a bit easier, to have that family trip, to have a bit of fun, to get away and spend time with your loved ones.\u201d<\/p>\n He added: \u201cThis will apply to any holiday that is being booked for an adult travelling with those under the age of 18.<\/p>\n \u201cThat could be a mum and dad taking their kids on holiday, it could be grandparents, it could be uncles and aunts, and it can be school trips as well.\u201d<\/p>\n After Wednesday\u2019s increases, the APD rate will be \u00a3102 for long-haul flights \u2013 2,001 to 5,500 miles \u2013 and \u00a3106 for ultra long-haul flights \u2013 more than 5,500 miles.<\/p>\n Those flying in premium cabins will be charged \u00a316 for a domestic flight, \u00a332 for a short-haul flight, \u00a3244 for a long-haul flight and \u00a3253 for an ultra long-haul flight.<\/p>\n Private jet passengers will face a rate of \u00a3142 for domestic or short-haul flights, \u00a31,097 for long-haul flights and \u00a31,141 for ultra long-haul flights.<\/p>\n Mr Jenrick said: \u201cWhilst we\u2019re cutting it at Reform, on the first of April \u2013 April Fool\u2019s Day, of course \u2013 Rachel Reeves is hiking this same tax.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the difference between Reform and this Labour Government.\u201d<\/p>\n In January last year, Ryanair boss Michael O\u2019Leary claimed the Chancellor \u201chasn\u2019t a clue\u201d about how to generate growth in aviation, as he criticised her for announcing increases in APD.<\/p>\n