Told can't get tax back from 'flight only' fare?

jojeba

My friend needs to cancel a flight booked with Thomson, and I told them they can at least claim their taxes and surcharges back. When she called the airline they said she'd bought a 'flight only fare', so there were no taxes involved. Surely that can't be right: airlines need to pay taxes for airport and security services among other things. Does anyone know more about this?

PeacefulWaters

Only the Air Passenger Duty (£13) is refundable.

And the airline can charge a fee to process the claim.

jojeba

Thanks, knew there was APD but are there not also other airport-related taxes and surcharges that can be refunded if the flight is cancelled in advance of departure? I recall doing this myself once upon a time.

The fact that Thomson said there were NO taxes associated with the fare at least proves they are talking rubbish!...

richardw

Same rubbish as 'no VAT on kitchen cabinets'.

Caz3121

as per this CAA article, there is no requirement for airlines to refund any taxes although some do, those that do tend to be APD only (less admin fee in many cases...eg Ryanair charge £17 admin fee (so it is not worth trying to claim £13 APD)
https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/Before-you-fly/Making-a-booking/Comparing-prices-and-charges/

Westin

PeacefulWaters in post #2 is correct. Only the Air Passenger Duty may be refundable but an admin charge might cancel this out.

leylandsunaddict

Did your friend bother to check Thomson website? The info is on there. It's part of the terms and conditions agreed to when they booked.


"There are no refunds if any ticket holder misses or cancels their flight. Any governmental, per passenger taxes and charges for unused flights, which may have been collected in respect of such flight are refundable upon request (subject to a £25 administration fee per booking)."