From Cult Favorite to Viral Meme Stardom
Jet2 Holidays, a once quietly revered British tour operator, has unexpectedly shot to global attention thanks to a 30-second ad whose soundtrack has become a viral meme. The ad, originally promoting a £50-per-person discount on package holidays, now plays out on over a million TikTok videos. With its upbeat visuals and the catchy chorus of Jess Glynne’s “Hold My Hand,” the clip has taken on a life of its own—often ironically soundtracking travel mishaps, and even inspiring Jeff Goldblum’s parody “Jeff2 Holidays” video.
Why Travelers Love Jet2 Holidays in Real Life
Despite the internet’s joke-friendly treatment, real customers rave about Jet2’s service. Travel writer Claire Dodd describes them as “a fricking delight,” praising their cheerful and efficient airport operations—no long queues, staff who seem happy to help, and transfers always arranged. Jet2 packages include flights, baggage, hotels, and transfers, with optional private upgrades for those who dislike shared coaches. Regular customers, including Tanya Kirk from Northern Ireland, recount stories like rescuing a lost travel wallet during transit and getting full help from staff—demonstrating Jet2’s willingness to go the extra mile.
A Heritage of Reliability and Understated Fun
Tracing its roots back to the 1970s as a flower freighter, Jet2 evolved into a passenger airline in the early 2000s and launched its holiday service in 2007. Today, it operates a fleet of 120 aircraft out of 13 UK airports, serving nearly 19.4 million passengers on around 115,000 flights in 2024. Known for its bold red branding and friendly crew, Jet2 consistently tops UK satisfaction surveys—from Which? and beyond—often outperforming rivals like Ryanair and easyJet. While one- and two-star Tripadvisor reviews exist, they’re heavily outweighed by five-star feedback praising stress-free travel and helpful staff.
Markus Kendall‑Young, a travel agent, emphasizes Jet2’s dependable structure: “Clients absolutely love it because they know it’s stress‑free, easy, they’ll get a good deal.” Frequent fliers also expect the signature onboard routine: Jess Glynne’s song blaring on the PA, cheesy announcements, in-flight offers, and a jolly atmosphere that feels like the start of the holiday.
The Perfect Union of Marketing and Experience
Jet2’s 2024 discount ad, though expired, struck a chord with its joyful tone and clear value offer. With Jess Glynne’s chorus playing every time flights board, many passengers report earworms long after landing. DJ Tina Edwards, who hosts a music show linked to travel, credits the song’s perfect fifth harmony for making it so memorable. Glynne herself celebrated the track’s 10th anniversary with a playful spoof, brandishing holiday signs and declaring it the ultimate summer anthem.
For many loyalists, Jet2 is little guilty pleasure: “Flying in a Jet2 plane is fun, cheap, and a much nicer experience than other budget airlines,” says Leeds-based Rick Turner. The predictable yet upbeat service—messaging that “if something goes wrong they are likely to help”—makes Jet2 Holidays feel like a safe, cheerful bet. As one agent said, stepping onto a Jet2 plane “puts a spring in your step.”
While the meme may bring amusement, for Jet2 customers it reinforces a familiar truth: when service matches the brand’s celebratory promise, even a joke can spotlight genuinely delightful travel experiences.