British holidaymakers are increasingly opting for midweek travel, according to recent research by Airport Parking and Hotels (APH). The study, which analysed booking data from January to March 2026, reveals that weekday bookings have surged by 17% compared to the same period in 2025, outpacing the growth of weekend bookings.
This trend indicates a shift towards travelling at less crowded times, with travellers seeking cost-effective options. For instance, a flight from London Heathrow to Marseille with British Airways costs $405.45 (£405.45) when departing on a Friday, but drops to $232.45 (£232.45) if booked from Tuesday to Tuesday, saving $173 (£173) per passenger.
The data highlights that Wednesday and Thursday are now the most popular days for airport parking, followed by Tuesday. February 2026 showed the strongest growth in weekday travel, suggesting that families and winter sunseekers are embracing midweek flexibility.
Nick Caunter, Managing Director of APH, noted, "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."
This shift towards midweek travel reflects a growing emphasis on value for money without compromising the quality of the travel experience. As British travellers continue to prioritise cost-efficiency, this trend is likely to persist
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