air passenger duty

applesauce21

Hi,
We had to cancel our holiday earlier this year and claim through our travel insurance. They have paid us almost in full, but say that air passenger duty is the responsibility of the airline. I telephoned the airline, who have refunded the agent we booked through, but the agent is refusing to refund us the tax.
Does anyone know the legal position on this? Seems deeply unfair that the agent has made money from us (after being incredibly obstructive through the whole process). The agent say it's in their t&cs that they don't refund, but I can't find anything specific to APD.
Thanks for your help

k3lvc

Depending on the route/APD charge they may refund but make an admin charge that cancels out the refund - even more complicated/open to charges if an agent is involved as well

Were these short haul, economy flights or long haul first class ? Makes a difference on the value and whether it's worth fighting

applesauce21

Thanks for reply,
Long haul economy, so total around £140.
The agent says it's nothing to do with them and to contact insurer, insurer says nothing to do with the them and to contact airline. Airline says its been refunded to agent - going round in circles!

Heliflyguy

What does your insurance policy say about UK APD?

Did your insurance pay out on any other taxes, fees or surcharges on the ticket for instance the UK passenger surcharge (UB)?

If they did you might be able to go back to them with proof from the agency that it will not be refunded so forms part of your claim.

The agency are being unreasonable and could easily make a small charge that covers their costs but still refunds the majority of the APD to you.