Claiming TAX back on unused flights

Several months ago I purchased a BA flight through a company called Flysharp.com.

Unfortunately now I can’t take the flight.

The flight is non-refundable, but am I right in thinking I can claim the tax back?

I’ve spoken to Flysharp and they say it will cost me over £200 to cancel the flight?!! Then I will get a tax refund of £87. This doesn’t seem to make sense as if I don’t cancel the flight I presume I can still get a tax refund even if I don’t fly?

Any advice would be gratefully received!

Comments

  • Danthu wrote: »
    Several months ago I purchased a BA flight through a company called Flysharp.com.

    Unfortunately now I can’t take the flight.

    The flight is non-refundable, but am I right in thinking I can claim the tax back?

    I’ve spoken to Flysharp and they say it will cost me over £200 to cancel the flight?!! Then I will get a tax refund of £87. This doesn’t seem to make sense as if I don’t cancel the flight I presume I can still get a tax refund even if I don’t fly?

    Any advice would be gratefully received!

    https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/holidays/article-3723398/How-claim-tax-ticket-miss-flight.html
  • jpsartre
    jpsartre Posts: 4,087 Forumite
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    Since you booked from a 3rd party I wouldn't even bother. Admin fees are likely to wipe everything you would be due anyway.
  • EssexExile
    EssexExile Posts: 6,416 Forumite
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    "Flysharp", what a great name! It almost shouts "use at your peril".
    Tall, dark & handsome. Well two out of three ain't bad.
  • Westin
    Westin Posts: 6,274 Forumite
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    It is only the APD on the ex UK flight you can normally recover. As others have said the admin fees will likely wipe this out especially if you are on a short European flight.
  • jackieblack
    jackieblack Posts: 10,471 Forumite
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    Danthu wrote: »
    Unfortunately now I can’t take the flight.

    The flight is non-refundable,

    Travel insurance?
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  • katejo
    katejo Posts: 4,237 Forumite
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    Travel insurance?
    Barely worth the hassle of claiming if it is just a flight and nothing else. I recently had to cancel a trip but wrote the flight off. I did cancel it with Easyjet but only to get the airport tax refund. I was told that £18 would be refunded to my account but it hasn't reached me yet.
  • jackieblack
    jackieblack Posts: 10,471 Forumite
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    edited 28 September 2018 at 6:15AM
    katejo wrote: »
    Barely worth the hassle of claiming if it is just a flight and nothing else. I recently had to cancel a trip but wrote the flight off. I did cancel it with Easyjet but only to get the airport tax refund. I was told that £18 would be refunded to my account but it hasn't reached me yet.

    Depends on the cost of the flight, surely :huh:
    I agree it's probably not worth it for a cheap flight, but nothing in the OP indicates the cost and OP hasn't said where they were due to fly to, only that it was with BA, so could be almost anywhere.
    (Assuming the reason for cancellation is covered and the OP took out insurance, of course :cool:)
    2.22kWp Solar PV system installed Oct 2010, Fronius IG20 Inverter, south facing (-5 deg), 30 degree pitch, no shading
    Everything will be alright in the end so, if it’s not yet alright, it means it’s not yet the end
    MFW #4 OPs: 2018 £866.89, 2019 £1322.33, 2020 £1337.07
    2021 £1250.00, 2022 £1500.00, 2023 £1500, 2024 £1350
    2025 target = £1200, YTD £575
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  • Westin
    Westin Posts: 6,274 Forumite
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    If flying in Economy the APD on a Band A flight is £13 (generally short haul) and £78 on Band B (in general terms over 2,000 miles measured on the capital city of the county).

    The airline may charge an administration charge to process the refund.

    On top of this Flysharp charge an (eye watering IMO) administration charge of £150.

    This is why it typically not of benefit to claim the APD back.

    The OP has not returned to the thread so may now be aware of this.
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