Each airline handles fee refunds in its own way. Some make it easier, others less so. Here we explain themost common differencesamong the main companies operating in Spain and Europe.
Ryanair
The Irish airline is known for charging high fees for almost any handling. Refunding fees is no exception.
Main features
- Apply aflat fee per passengersometimes close to 20 €.
- If the fees are low (e.g. 15 €), the net amount may be nil or negative
- It is claimed throughformulario onlineor intermediary
- The process can take between8 and 10 weeks
Practical example
Flight Barcelona-London not used. Total taxes: 18 €. Ryanair handling fee: 20 €. Net result: 0 € (not worth claiming).
💡 Tip:With TaxBackAir.com we verify the fee before processing. If it doesn't pay off, we let you know and you don't continue.
How to claim
Ryanair does not facilitate the process. Their website redirects to a generic customer service form. It is more efficient to use a specialized service that knows the exact procedure.
Iberia
The Spanish airline has a more structured process, although it depends on the purchasing channel.
Main features
- Allows you to request a refund from yourofficial website
- If the ticket was purchased at an agency, the application must go through the agency.
- The process usually takes between4 and 8 weeks
- Variable handling fee according to type of ticket
Claim process
If you purchased directly from Iberia.com:
- Access the "My reservations" section.
- Look for the "Request Refund" option
- Complete the form indicating that you did not use the ticket.
- Wait for an e-mail response
If you bought from an agency or comparator:
- Contact the intermediary first
- They will process the application with Iberia
- Response time may be longer
Ventajas
Iberia is usually transparent with the breakdown of fees. In many cases, the fee is moderate and it pays to complain.
Vueling
The IAG group's low-cost airline has a system similar to Iberia's, but with its own particularities.
Main features
- Online processingfrom its website
- Respond by mail with the result
- Moderate management fee (variable according to route)
- Response time:4 to 6 weeks
Claim process
- Enter Vueling.com
- Go to "Customer service" → "Request refund".
- Indicates the reservation and passenger number
- Check the option "Unused ticket".
- Attach ticket or purchase confirmation
Special features
Vueling differentiates between fares. Basic fares usually have higher fees. Excellence or Optima fares may have more favorable conditions.
easyJet
The British airline is one of the most transparent in fee refunds.
Main features
- It usually returns theunimpeded government taxation
- If the flight was purchased through an intermediary, the claim is made to that channel.
- Response time:3 to 5 weeks
- Low or non-existent management fee in many cases
Claim process
- Accede a easyJet.com
- Ve a "Gestionar mi reserva"
- Select "Request Refund".
- Indicates that you did not use the flight
- You will receive confirmation by email
Ventajas
easyJet is clear on the breakdown of fees and taxes. In many cases, it refunds UK APD (Air Passenger Duty) with no problems.
💡 Note:If you flew from the UK, APD can represent between £13 and £78 depending on the distance. It is worth claiming it.
What they have in common
Despite operational differences, all airlines share these points:
Only fees and taxes are refunded
No airline will reimburse the base fare of the ticket (the price of the transportation itself), unless you have purchased a flexible fare that expressly provides for this.
Require specific documentation
All of them request: reservation number, passenger name, purchase confirmation and, in some cases, justification of the reason for no-show.
Management fees are applied
No airline processes refunds free of charge. The fee varies, but it exists. The key is whether or not it pays to continue.
They take weeks to respond
The average time is between 4 and 10 weeks. It is a slow process, but if the claim is correct, the money arrives.
How to simplify it
Dealing with each airline separately can be frustrating. Each has:
- Your own form (sometimes in English)
- Your own documentary requirements
- Your own response times
- Your own fees hidden until the end of the process
Con TaxBackAir.comit is not necessary to know the particularities of each airline:
- Upload your ticket in 2 minutes
- We verify which fees were charged and which are refundable.
- We submit the application to the corresponding airline.
- We warn you if the airline's fee is too high to continue.
- We follow up until we receive a response
All for afixed cost of 2,99 €.. No surprises or commissions on recoveries.
Special cases
British Airways
Process similar to Iberia. Allows online claims. Moderate fee. Time: 4 to 6 weeks.
Air Europa
Requires specific form sent by email. They respond by email. Time: 6 to 8 weeks.
Wizz Air
Similar to Ryanair. High fee. Only compensates on long-haul flights. Time: 8 to 10 weeks.
Norwegian
Online process. Quick response (3 to 4 weeks). Low fee. One of the most transparent.