If you live in Dorset or Hampshire, you have the ultimate “doorstep” luxury. Why spend three hours fighting traffic to get to Gatwick when you can be at your local terminal in twenty minutes? For 2026, these two airports offer very different, but equally brilliant, ways to reach the Tenerife sun.
Flying from the South Coast is all about the “stress-free start.” Both Bournemouth (BOH) and Southampton (SOU) pride themselves on being small, friendly, and incredibly fast to navigate. You can often go from the car park to the departure lounge in less time than it takes to find a parking space at a major London hub.
Which is best for you?While they are only about 30 miles apart, they offer different flight styles for 2026:
Bournemouth Airport (BOH): This is the heavyweight for direct, all-inclusive packages. It is a major base for Jet2holidays, TUI, and Ryanair. If you want a direct, non-stop flight that takes you straight to the beach, Bournemouth is your go-to hub.
Southampton Airport (SOU): This airport is the king of “Premium” and flexible travel. While it has fewer direct “charter” flights, it offers fantastic connections with British Airways and KLM. It’s perfect for those who want a high-end experience or want to use their Avios points for a luxury stay in Costa Adeje.
The “99 Steps” Rule: At Southampton Airport, the train station is literally 99 steps from the terminal. It is arguably the easiest airport in the UK to reach by rail.
The Jet2 Effect at Bournemouth: Since Jet2holidays launched its base at Bournemouth, the choice of all-inclusive hotels has exploded. You now have access to the same high-end resorts as the big London airports but with a much friendlier, local service.
Speedy Security: Both airports are famous for their short queues. You won’t be standing in a security line for an hour here; you’ll be through and sipping a coffee (or a pre-flight prosecco) in no time.
Top Tip: If you’re flying from Bournemouth (BOH), look for TUI or Jet2 deals on a Tuesday or Friday. These are the most common “changeover” days for the South Coast routes, often resulting in the best package prices for 2026.
The “Local” Sale: Keep an eye on regional travel agents like Hays Travel or Bath Travel. They often have exclusive “local departure” deals from Bournemouth and Southampton that you won’t find on the big national websites.
Check the School Holidays: Hampshire and Dorset schools sometimes have slightly different half-term dates than the London boroughs. If you can fly during a “London term-time” week, you’ll save a fortune.
Low Deposit Deals: For 2026, both Jet2 and TUI are offering “£60 per person” deposits for Bournemouth departures, making it very easy to lock in a summer holiday early.
Jet2holidays: The primary operator from Bournemouth with frequent direct flights.
TUI: Offers fantastic family-focused packages from Bournemouth.
Ryanair: Great for “flight-only” or budget-friendly coves from Bournemouth.
British Airways: Operates via Southampton, often with a quick connection, perfect for luxury-seekers.
For a Winter Glow: March. While the South Coast is still feeling the spring chill, Tenerife is a balmy 22 degrees.
For the Best Value: May and October. These “shoulder” months offer the best balance of scorching weather and lower flight prices from local airports.
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