MoneySavingExpert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has advised that passengers who book non-refundable plane tickets but do not use them can still claim a refund for the Air Passenger Duty (APD), which ranges from £8 to £253 per person.
How the refund works
In a Facebook post, MSE explained: "Air Passenger Duty is a tax only paid by the airline to HMRC if you fly. If you don't fly, whether you cancelled a non-refundable ticket or you missed your flight, you can request a refund from £8 to £253 per person."
The post also shared a success story from MSE's Clare, whose in-laws received £92 each after changing their return flight from Australia to the UK. They assumed they wouldn't get money back, but a "quick email" to the airline confirmed the refund, which Clare called "a small consolation, but better than nothing."
Claiming process and airline variations
MSE added in comments: "There's no deadline for how far back you can claim - though some airlines impose their own (and a few charge an admin fee)." The website notes that when booking a flight departing the UK, the ticket price includes taxes like APD, but airlines only pay this to HMRC after the flight occurs. If you don't fly, you shouldn't have to pay the tax.
Skyscanner advises that procedures vary by airline: some refund automatically, others require a form, and some charge admin fees that may exceed the refund amount. Airlines publish claim details on their websites, or passengers can call to request information. However, if you didn't initially pay the tax due to commercial agreements, you wouldn't be eligible.
