How to request a
tax refund
on an unused plane ticket
Didn't take your flight and your ticket is non-refundable? Certain taxes and fees can sometimes be recoverable.
Discover the step-by-step method to prepare your request and maximize your chances of getting the tax refund you are entitled to.
To request a tax refund on an unused plane ticket, you need to identify the airline or agency involved, check which taxes may be refundable, prepare your booking information, then send a clear request with the right details.
Our premium guides explain this procedure airline by airline, with the steps to follow, mistakes to avoid and a message template to adapt.
The step-by-step method to prepare your request
The procedure may vary depending on the airline, the country of departure, the route and the purchase channel.
Here is the general method to follow before sending your request.
Check that your ticket is eligible
Make sure you did not take the flight and that your ticket is non-refundable.
Identify your airline
The procedure depends on the airline. Choose the matching guide.
Check where you bought your ticket
Directly from the airline or via an agency / OTA? The correct contact changes.
Prepare the necessary information
Gather all the useful information before writing to the airline or the agency.
Distinguish the ticket, taxes, fees and options
Not all amounts are refundable. Focus on the taxes.
Use the right message
Write a clear, precise and complete request (a template is provided in our guides).
Send the request to the correct contact
Online form, email, account area or agency: use the right channel.
Keep proof of your request
Keep a copy of your message, case number or screenshot.
Follow up on the airline's or agency's reply
The timeline varies depending on the airline and the complexity of your case.
Information to prepare
| Information | Why it is useful |
|---|---|
| 👤Passenger full name | Identify the person concerned by the ticket |
| 🔖Booking reference (PNR) | Find the travel booking |
| ✈️Flight number | Identify the unused flight |
| 📅Flight date | Check whether the flight has already happened or not |
| 📧Booking email | Find your exchanges with the airline / agency |
| 🎫Ticket number (if available) | Often requested by traditional airlines |
| 📄E-ticket or confirmation | Proof of the booking |
| 📎Any supporting document | Useful in certain special cases |
What can you recover?
| Item paid | Can it be recovered? | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare | ✕ Often not | Depends on the fare conditions |
| Airport taxes | ✓ Sometimes yes | Depending on the country, airline and ticket |
| Passenger fees | ✓ Sometimes yes | Depending on the unused services |
| Security fees | ✓ Sometimes yes | Depending on the case |
| Baggage | ✕ Often not | Depends on the option's conditions |
| Seat | ✕ Often not | Generally a non-refundable option |
| Insurance | ~ Variable | Depends on the contract |
| Agency fees | ✕ Often not | Depends on the intermediary |
| Service fees | ~ Variable | Depending on the airline or agency |
Summary table of the procedure
| Step | Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the ticket was not used | Confirm the request concerns a flight not taken |
| 2 | Identify the airline | Choose the correct procedure |
| 3 | Check the purchase channel | Know whether to contact the airline or the agency |
| 4 | Prepare the information | Avoid an incomplete request |
| 5 | Distinguish taxes from the ticket | Avoid requesting the wrong refund |
| 6 | Write the message | Present a clear request |
| 7 | Send it to the correct contact | Avoid unnecessary delays or refusals |
| 8 | Keep proof | Be able to follow up if necessary |
| 9 | Follow up on the reply | Understand the outcome of the request |
How much does a premium guide cost?
Secure payment · Instant access · No subscription
Frequently asked questions
What our guides do not guarantee
- –that the airline will accept your request
- –that the ticket price will be refunded
- –a specific processing time
- –coverage by insurance or a credit card
The refund depends on the airline, the ticket, the country of departure, the taxes actually paid, the purchase channel and the applicable conditions.
Independent site, not affiliated with any airline
Flight Tax Refund is an independent site. The site is not affiliated with Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Air France, KLM or any other airline mentioned.
Our guides are practical informational resources. They do not constitute personalized legal advice and do not guarantee that you will obtain a refund.
Ready to prepare your request?
Choose your airline and access the matching premium guide.