-
How To Avoid UK Air Passenger Duty Departure Tax?
So I’m thinking of doing a spring break trip to London.
I know about the high taxes leaving LHR, so what would be my best bet for traveling back to the US if I want to avoid UK air passenger duty tax on departure?
I have plenty of Amex Membership Rewards points and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Not picky on class.
Looking for a creative way to avoid UK airport taxes and airline passenger duty (APD) on a return mileage ticket from the United Kingdom to US.
-
6 Replies
-
Departing out of DUB, AMS or BRU can save a bunch and cheap flights/trains can get you there or you make it a side trip.
-
Assuming you mean BA / Avios.
Book a short-haul ticket or take the train to any other European city, then fly “home” from there.
-
There is no way to avoid the UK APD and taxes.
They are imposed on all tickets (revenue and award) and the carriers collect it.
The only way not to pay is not to fly out of the UK.
These taxes/fees are just a part of travel…
-
Also, compare the costs of booking trips to other destinations to avoid LHR taxes.
Factor in time, trains, buses, taxes, and value of award ticket to get to a cheaper point, to the $190-$268 (depending on the airline) in UK taxes.
You could break even or just pay a little more for the convenience of flying directly from LHR.
CDG saves me taxes, however, I’d spend $120 trying to avoid $190 in UK taxes & spend more time traveling.
-
When I looked earlier this year, the British companies charged higher taxes than the American companies.
Virgin taxes were way higher than Delta.
I booked Delta with Membership Rewards points.
-
Don’t book that segment with British Airways or Virgin (high fuel surcharge).
Also if you can I’d book 2 one way tickets.
If you can, take the return from France or Ireland.
Log in to reply.