Brian Simpson N.W. MEP
Airlines rip off passengers over taxes says Brian Simpson MEP
By Brian Simpson MEP
Jan 16, 2008, 14:52

Macclesfield Euro MP Brian Simpson and Labour Transport spokesperson has hit out at airlines who fail to repay passengers their aviation taxes if they cancel their reservation or if their flights are cancelled.  All air passengers have to pay taxes and in some instances those taxes are often larger than the fare itself, but very few reclaim any taxes if they cancel their reservations because airlines charge huge administration charges.

“This is a rip off pure and simple” says Mr Simpson.  “Passengers who cancel their ticket or who find their flight is cancelled are entitled to receive any taxes back, yet in reality very few claim because the airlines charge exorbitant administration charges.  It is wrong and frankly something should be done about it.” Stated the MEP.

Airlines collect all aviation taxes when a ticket is purchased, but only hand over the money after a flight has taken place.  This means that it is the airlines who keep the cash if passengers fail to claim.

“I want the Government to end this robbery of the public by making it compulsory for airlines to pay back without a charge, any taxes that have been paid to them by passengers who did not not fly.  To be blunt, airlines are sitting on millions that doesn’t belong to them and to me, I think this is wrong” concluded Mr Simpson.

Mr Simpson has now asked the Government and the European Union to step in and protect consumers.