Claiming Tax Refunds for cancelled flights with RyanAir and Aer Lingus.

In this era of cheap flights, You can travel with Aer Lingus and Ryanair for airfares of €10 or less.  So how come the ticket invariably costs at least €80.  Yes, it’s tax and charges of course.

But did you know that if you cancel a flight, you can get a refund of the travel tax portion of the airfare?  Good news we say.  We had a look at each airlines claim procedure for claiming back tax on cancelled flights and found the following.

From the Aer Lingus website:

*** REFUNDS ***

Refunds are not permitted on Aer Lingus bookings with the exception of Flexifare or Business Class bookings. Unused taxes are fully refundable on all bookings. Handling and booking fees are not refundable. A Refund Administration Fee of EUR 20.00 or equivalent per person per flight will apply to each booking for tax refunds. Government tax refund requests must be made within one month from the booked travel date. Please call the aerlingus.com Helpdesk to cancel a booking.

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From the Ryanair Website:
CAN I APPLY FOR A REFUND FOR MY UNUSED FLIGHT?

All Ryanair fares are fully changeable in respect of flight/dates/times/routes and names (up to 4 hours prior to original flight departure) however fares, fees and/or charges are non-refundable. Government taxes are the only element of taxes, fees and charges which are refundable. Government tax refunds are subject to a reasonable administration fee. If the refund amount is less than the applicable refund administration charge then no refund will be made. Government tax refund requests must be made within one month from the booked travel date.

What’s your experience?

Have you applied for a Tax Refund from Ryanair or Aer Lingus.  Have you received a refund.  It seems unlikely you would be due a refund after administration charges in either case.