Easyjet asking for tax after I have flown.

Hi,

I, and 3 others, flew to and from Venice Marco Polo on 28th and 29th October with Easyjet. A couple of days ago I received an email (text below) from them saying that the communual tax had been increased by the Italian authorities by 2 euros per person and please could I go to a website to pay the extra.

Since we have already flown can they do this and do I still have to pay? I can understand having to pay if the price goes up, and they inform me, between booking the seats and flying, but since I have already flown this doesn't seem right? Also, their T&Cs state that any tax change is only payable prior to departure (see below), so as far as I am concerned they should have asked for it then, and since they didn't they have to absorb the costs themselves. Is this right?

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Dave



Easyjets email:
We are writing to inform you that unfortunately we have had to increase the communal tax (similar to APD, Air Passenger Duty) applicable to all flights departing from all Italian airports, by €2.

This is the result of a change in the decree n.166 of 27/10/2008 approved by the Italian Authorities. Please click here to the Ministry of Finance site where the specific decree is published.

Although easyJet strongly disagrees with this surcharge, we have to collect this amount from our passengers, including those who have booked a flight from Italy prior to this law coming into force. This also, unfortunately affects passengers who have already travelled with us.

To make this payment, please click here . Alternatively, you can log into your 'My easyJet.com' account by clicking here and make your payment there.

However, we understand you might disagree with this charge and decide not to travel on this occasion; should this be the case, we will be happy to refund you the total cost of your booking.

If you do not wish to pay this tax on your booking and want to cancel it to get a full refund, please click here and fill in the requested form.

We would like to remind you that you will receive an e-mail confirming about your refund once this has been processed and that the process does not usually take more than 30 working days from the date your email is received.

Once again we would like to apologise for this situation which unfortunately is beyond easyJet's control and we are looking forward to welcoming you onboard an easyJet flight in the near future.

Kind regards




Easyjets T&Cs:

5.2.Taxes and Charges

Any taxes or charges imposed by Government or other authority, including the operator of an airport, which we are obliged to collect from you or pay in respect of you and your Flight may be payable by you to us in addition to the Fare. At the time you make a reservation you will be advised of the total amount of such taxes and charges not included in the Fare and payable by you. Such taxes and charges imposed on air travel are constantly changing and can be imposed after the date that your reservation has been confirmed. If any such tax or charge is introduced or increased after the reservation was made you will be obliged to pay it prior to departure. Failure to make payment may affect your ability to fly with us. You authorise us to deduct such charges from the credit card or debit card used to make your booking. Similarly, if any such tax or charge due is abolished or reduced before we are obliged to pay it you will be entitled to claim a refund from us.