International Airsure Rates 2002-2014

In 2002, the international priority services were revamped, and "Airsure" added to the existing Swiftair as a version of the UPU express service. The difference was that an Airsure packet was tracked electronically all the way to its destination (and could only be sent to countries able to offer this as an option), with Swiftair packets simply signed for on delivery.

This distinction lasted less for than a year: Swiftair was dropped in 2003, and Airsure packets could now be sent anywhere. They received priority handling, but no guarantee of tracking outside the UK as this depended on whether the overseas postal administration could offer electronic tracking facilities.

As a result of an ECJ ruling, from 31st January 2011 certain "enhanced" services not part of the basic universal provision became liable to VAT on the total charge (including postage) when used to EU destinations. Airsure was one of these services, and hence rates to the EU depended on the weight (see below).

Also in 2002, insured post was scrapped as a separate category. Instead, an extra fee could be paid for additional insurance cover (above the modest default for all letters) with any of the priority services. This was limited to £250 or £500 depending on the destination and service used (much less than the insured post maximum of £2200). Insurance with Airsure generally offered £500 regardless of destination.

Standard Rates 2002-2014

These charges were not subject to VAT, or zero-rated, and were thus flat-rate fees added to the postage (for which see the appropriate page for the date and service). They applied to all destinations until 30th January 2011, and to all destinations except the European Union from 31st January 2011.

European Union Rates 2011-2014

These charges were subject to VAT at 20% on the total rate paid, and are thus total rates including postage. They applied to European Union destinations only from 31st January 2011.