Air passenger duty, or APD, is a tax that airlines flying from UK airports must pay, and it is typically added directly onto your ticket prices. However, if you have missed your flight or cancel a non-refundable ticket, you might still be able to claim back the air passenger duty.
This is because HMRC only collects the tax after your flight. So, if you don’t board, the airline does not pay the tax for you, and you might be able to claim it back. However, there is no legal obligation for the airline to refund the APD, but most state they will in their terms and conditions.
Those flying from Northern Ireland or the Scottish Highlands and Islands region aren’t charged APD, so they are unable to apply for the refund. The exact amount of APD you’re charged depends on how far and in which class you are flying.
It can range from £7 for domestic flights in economy class to £202 for first-class flights over 5,500 miles. An administration fee could be charged against the amount you claim. In some cases, Sky News noted this admin fee might even exceed the refund amount you would receive.
For instance, Ryanair imposes a £20 admin fee and all their flight routes are under 2,000 miles, offering only the reduced rate or economy class. This means the maximum refund most people could receive is £13, so claiming this refund would actually cost them £7.
In April, some of the APD rates are set to increase, meaning passengers flying business or first class over 5,500 miles might see their ticket prices rise but could also claim back £224 instead of just £202.
Those using private jets are expected to see the largest rise in APD in April, but this increase likely will not affect budget travellers.
Reduced rates, typically for economy class tickets, for domestic flights will remain at £7 and up to 2,000 miles will stay at £13.
Different airlines have varying claim procedures and fees. Easyjet and Jet 2 both have no fees, while British Airways doubles their £15 admin fee if you request the refund after your flight has taken place.
