More than 1 in 10 parents take their children on holiday during the school year as airlines increase ticket prices by up to 1200%.

More parents are taking their children out of school during school holidays as some airlines raise ticket prices by as much as 1,200 percent.

The May holiday fare increase affects struggling families who face fines if they travel outside of school holidays.

But a survey for the Mail shows that many parents are now taking the risk: 13 per cent have booked a trip with their children during the school year.

The Holiday Extras survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers found that rising costs mean more parents are traveling during the school year.

When the same survey was conducted in January, 10 percent of parents said they booked a vacation during the school year.

An analysis of mid-term holiday prices by the Mail revealed that the cheapest flights to Heraklion, Crete (pictured) from any London airport can be bought with Easyjet for £984.34 per person

An analysis of mid-year holiday prices by the Mail reveals that the cheapest flights to Heraklion, Crete – a popular island for May holidays – from any London airport are offered by Easyjet at £984.34 per person, costing a family of four nearly £. 4000.

Return flights for the same route are advertised on the airline’s website for just £71.98 at other times of the year, making half-yearly flights 14 times more expensive.

Noel Josephides, chairman of Sunvil Holidays and director of travel company AITO, said: “We have airlines like BA, Easyjet and Wizz Air that have a monopoly on major airports and there is not much anyone can do.

“These companies suffered huge losses during the pandemic and this is an attempt to recover as much as possible.”

Currently, parents can be fined £60 – up to £120 if they don’t pay within 21 days – if they remove their child from school without a permit.

Jo Rhodes, Deputy Sheriff Which? Travel editor, said: “There are many ways to avoid overpaying.

“If you’re flexible with dates, avoid peak times and set price alerts so you can catch when prices drop. All-inclusive holidays are also a good option as they protect the cost of food, drink and activities against currency fluctuations.”

A TUI spokesperson said: “Our prices fluctuate with demand and we only have a few seats left on mid-term flights.

“During school holidays and other busy periods we always advise our customers to book in advance if possible.”

A BA spokesman said: “We advise our customers to book as early as possible to take advantage of our lowest prices.”