Airport Flight taxes

[Finance Guy]

If a flight is booked, you pay Airport taxes upfront, we all know that.

However, if that flight is not actually used, the amount paid to the airline becomes pure profit revenue - that is fine. But, surely, the airport tax would not be paid onwards to the revenue, as they charge based on actual numbers using the airport, as I understand it.

This being the case, is it possible to re-claim airport tax paid on unused flights?

If so, how?

If not, why?

Many thanks

[Whickerman]

Ryanair makes no excuses for that - they keep the money. I'd imagine that all airlines do the same.

[kempie]

I believe that all airlines are obliged to refund the airport departure tax (or Air Passenger Duty - APD) of an unused portion of a ticket if requested - of course they tend not to automatically refund it.

However, the airline can charge whatever they like as an admin fee and is often in the range �10-�40. Sometimes it will be more than the tax paid, sometimes less and so this fee may be the deciding factor whether or not it will be worthwhile to reclaim the tax.

[kempie]

Here you go. An article on this matter from the Financial Times.

[Finance Guy]

Awesome! Thanks a lot, that clears that little mystery up for me!