It happens again and again that you cannot or do not want to take a flight. Most of the tariffs are non-refundable, so you won't get anything back if you cancel or don't show up at the airport as a so-called “no-show”. But you will not end up completely empty-handed, because you have the legally enshrined right to a refund of taxes and fees. Why? Your airline only has to pay this if you have actually flown.

First things first: The legal basis for the reimbursement claim is the EU-VO 1008/2008. This can be under this link in PDF format can be downloaded in German. 

What do you get back if you haven't flown?

In any case, you are legally entitled to a refund of taxes and fees. Whether you also get part of the flight price back ("net airfare") depends on whether you have booked a tariff that can be reimbursed. You can find this information when you book your flight on the airline's website and then on your booking confirmation. You can also find out more in the airline's general conditions of carriage.

The Chamber of Labor explains your claims as follows: "Due to an EU-wide regulation (EC Regulation No. 1008/2008), in addition to the actual ticket price, state taxes, airport charges and other fees, surcharges and charges, such as those with security or related to the fuel must be shown separately. Often you will find these taxes, fees and charges on the invoice next to the ticket price under the designation "Tax". These fees are collected by the airline in favor of third parties together with the ticket price and paid when the flight begins. However, if the flight is not started due to a cancellation, you can claim these taxes back. "

Do I get the taxis back automatically?

Unfortunately, no. It would be too nice if the airline would automatically give you the money back. You must actively claim the money from the airline. With some airlines, a phone call or a quick e-mail is enough, others will literally make your life hell.

How long do I have to claim the taxes and fees back?

Surprisingly long, because the statute of limitations is three years. This means that you have three years from the original day of departure to submit your claim to the airline. Tip: Maybe you have older tickets that you haven't used, that are still within the deadline? You can get cash back.

How is the repayment made?

As a rule, your money will be credited back to the means of payment that you used when booking. If the bank account or credit card no longer exists, for example because you have changed bank in the meantime or your card has expired, notify the airline of this and request payment to be made to your new means of payment. Attention trap: If you have booked or paid via a reservation portal, travel agency or other intermediary, please note the point below.

I didn't book directly with the airline, but rather through a portal or at a travel agency. Is there a difference?

Yes, and a very substantial one. You must submit your claim for a refund to the booking site or the travel agent. While your travel agent around the corner will most likely be happy to take care of your concerns and organize everything for you, online providers can unfortunately play a real ping-pong game. Unfortunately, it happens again and again that the agent does not react at all and when you contact the airline, they refer to the agency. Or else both put the buck on each other's shoes. Remain persistent and don't be afraid to seek legal help or, alternatively, to go to advice centers.

What tricks do the airlines use?

Unfortunately it is not the case that there is a black sheep, but rather only a few "white sheep" among many "black sheep" who try to get rid of you with weird excuses. A trick of some low-cost airlines is that on the booking confirmations the taxes and fees are not even itemized and then it is claimed that none were incurred. This is of course nonsense, because the taxes are priced into the amount you paid. Remain persistent and don't be afraid to seek legal help or an advice center. So far, the courts have always judged in a consumer-friendly manner.

Some airlines that have declared themselves premium carriers use a particularly cheeky scam. One tries to talk you into subsequent cancellation fees or even the change of the ticket to a different tariff. Ultimately, the goal is that you do not get any money back and in particularly bold cases you will even try to collect an additional payment. The latter often occurs if, for example, you only used the one-way flight. Don't let yourself get rid of it, don't be afraid of legal help or going to a counseling center.

How do you get the money back from the airline?

You have to actively claim it. To do this, you can contact the airline's service center by phone or email. For a few airlines this also leads to success. The vast majority, however, are very stubborn when it comes to giving back “Körberlgeld”. It is therefore strongly recommended that you submit your claim by registered mail. Renowned consumer protection organizations have sample letters that Aviation.Direct can recommend:

• Sample letter from ADAC (Germany)
• Sample letter from the Chamber of Labor (Austria) 
• Sample letter from the consumer center (Germany)

What can you do if the airline still doesn't pay?

If you have legal protection insurance, you should report the damage and, if you have a positive confirmation of cover, consult a lawyer you trust. Such disputes usually fall under the component “general legal protection”.

If you do not have insurance or would like other advice, you can also contact the following offices:

• Chamber of Labor (Austria)
• Passenger and Passenger Rights Agency (Austria)
• Consumer advice center (Germany)
• Arbitration board for public transport (Germany)

Im commercial area is there a Special providers, to whom you can sell your ticket and who will collect it from the airline at your own risk. After accepting the offer, you will receive your money quickly transferred to your account and then have nothing more to do with the matter. The advantage is that you get your money almost immediately and the disadvantage is of course that the provider pays you less than you would get if you enforced it yourself, but you no longer have to worry about anything. Unfortunately, commercial providers cannot work on a non-profit basis.