I canceled my flight: how to recover airport taxes?

You canceled your flight and you're looking to get it back? In this article, we answer your questions to recover your airport taxes.

It is true that, sometimes, it is better to see the plane trips with a watchful eye. Indeed, it is not impossible that you have a cancellation or that you simply missed your flight. However, what about the refund of your tickets? Is it possible to recover airport taxes? Many travellers wonder if it is possible that they will be paid their tickets, or at least some of them. Although the terms of reimbursement vary from country to country, in general, only airport taxes will be refundable. Using our full guide, learn everything you need to know to recover airport taxes.

Can I get my plane ticket back?

In the majority of cases, no, it is not possible to be reimbursed for his plane ticket. Sometimes one can think that the possibility of a refund is true. However, reality is quite different, even in the most extreme cases. For example, you cannot be reimbursed even if:

• You have been forced to cancel your trip for medical or professional reasons ;
• Your passport or other required document were not compliant or up-to-date ;
• You missed your plane’s takeoff due to a delay in transport ;
• Your boarding was refused for any reason other than an overbooking performed by the company.

Is it possible to recover airport taxes?

Yes, getting refunded airport taxes is absolutely possible, regardless of the reason for refusal to board or cancellation. Moreover, we can separate these taxes into two categories:

• Airport tax, present on your flight ticket under the QW letters for domestic flights.
• The passenger fee, present on your flight ticket under the QX letters for international flights.

However, other taxes are not refundable. This is notably the case of fuel overload and security tax (YQ) or the solidarity tax (IZ).

What is the airport tax?

According to the Consumer law , the passenger is entitled to a refund of QW and QX airport taxes, regardless of the reason. Indeed, since the passenger did not take place on the plane, the company did not have to pay a fee. These taxes are levied by airlines and subsequently reserved for the State. They are used to cover costs for the proper operation and maintenance of airports.

It is important to know that on average, taxes and overloads count for at least 20% the total price of a ticket. That said, only 3% to 4% the full ticket will be refunded in most cases. Please note, however, that the shorter the flight, the higher the taxes on the total ticket price.

What should I do to get my airport taxes paid?

Reimbursement of the airport tax and passenger fee can be made online on the French administration website. It is also possible to make the claim directly on the airline site.

Moreover, we recommend using the online method. Indeed, fees will be added if you use the mail or phone to make your claim. The costs by the professional in charge of your file can go up to 20% the amount refunded.

What if I did not receive my airport tax refund?

As a general rule, reimbursement of airport taxes should be made in 30 days following the claim. If not, then you can contact the person or company in charge of your file. Then, if the result remains negative, it will be necessary to create with a rest. It consists of attempting to resolve the problem within a time limit.

If this attempt is vain, then it will only remain to pass before the court. Or you can also call on a specialist tourism mediator. However, it is recommended to avoid going so far if the amount sought is not important enough.

In which case can the airline ticket be refunded?

As previously stated, the refund of the flight ticket is rarely possible in its entirety. However, it is possible to receive a refund for your flight ticket for the following three reasons:

Delayed flight allowance

The airline is obliged to assist you if the flight is delayed for more than two hours . At least, at a distance of up to 1,500 km. It will also be forced to do the same for three hours late over 1,500 km. Eventually, she must also assist you to four hours late in the case of a flight of more than 3,500 km. In these cases, it will be possible for you to recover between 250€ and 650€ .

Compensation or rerouting in the case of cancelled flight

Your flight was cancelled without you being notified at least two weeks In advance? So the airline has to assist you. In addition to compensation, it must either re-route your itinerary to another flight, or give you a lump sum compensation. This is similar to what you could recover in case of delayed flight, or from 250€ to 650€ .

Compensation or rerouting in case of overbooked flight

If your boarding has been denied due to a surbooking , the airline must take your well-being at its expense. This includes food and refreshments, as well as accommodation at the airport as needed. However, if you wish to receive compensation, it is also possible to do so. The latter is almost identical to the previous two cases, or between 250€ and 650€ .

Also, the airline must provide you with an information notice. This will explain your rights to compensation, refund and claim. In short, these cases are exceptional and non-recurring. Most of the time, you will need to be satisfied with a refund on airport taxes, which is always better than nothing.

Finally, you know how to make the opposite of airport taxes. Nevertheless, we hope it will not be necessary!