Jet2 reveals that almost half (45%) of UK adults have bought something during Black Friday sales that they’ve never used or only reached for once or twice.
With a holiday abroad topping the list of things people would rather have spent their money on, the consumer champion has rounded up its six ultimate Black Friday swaps, where a sunshine getaway could cost you the same or less than a gadget that’s likely to gather dust at the back of the cupboard.
To help people tick off bucket lists rather than shopping lists, Jet2 has launched its 2026 Black Friday sale, offering £100 per person off all holidays and 20% off flight-only bookings, plus extra savings for myJet2 members. Last-minute holidaymakers can now bag a trip to the white sands of Majorca or the cliff views of Corfu for less than the cost of the next trending gadget destined for the back of the cupboard.
Every Black Friday brings a new must-have product, with shoppers racing to snap up the latest viral trend. But while the excitement may be short-lived, Jet2's research shows that holidays deliver something far more lasting, creating memories and experiences that can be treasured for years to come.
A survey of 2,000 adults commissioned by the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest tour operator revealed that 32% of people wished they’d swapped clothes and tech for sunshine and relaxation. A further 30% regretted not saving the money and 27% felt they should have enjoyed a meal out or another experience instead of buying more stuff.
A quarter (25%) of respondents have spent over £100 on items they’ve never used or have only picked up once or twice, while more than a fifth (21%) have splashed up to £200 on products they’ve had little to no use from.
The top neglected products include clothes (25%), kitchen gadgets (18%), and shoes (15%), with others such as headphones, mobile phones, and tablets also making the list.
David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Jet2, said: “We’ve all been tempted by a Black Friday bargain, but our research shows just how many material purchases end up barely being used. A holiday creates memories that last a lifetime, not something you hold onto for a few weeks. Whether it’s a spontaneous bucket list city break, returning to a favourite destination with the people you love, or the gift of a getaway for someone special, these are the moments that mean something. With our Black Friday savings, we’re helping customers get away, rather than get carried away with the next household gadget that no one really needs!”
