Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany’s Steep Hike

Post originally Published May 20, 2024 || Last Updated May 20, 2024

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Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Germany's New Aviation Tax Hike Rocks Ryanair


Germany's recent aviation tax hike has caused a stir in the industry, particularly for low-cost carrier Ryanair.

The tax, which ranges from €15.53 to €70.83 per passenger depending on the route, is expected to negatively impact Germany's economy, including sectors like exports, tourism, and job creation.

Ryanair has taken a strong stance, demanding that passengers who booked flights from Germany after May 1, 2024, pay the increased tax retroactively.

The airline has also called on Germany to lower its aviation taxes and airport charges, arguing that the high taxes are hampering the country's air transport recovery.

Germany's new aviation tax ranges from €53 to €83 per passenger, depending on the route, marking a 19% increase from the previous levels.

Ryanair, a low-cost airline, is demanding that passengers who booked flights from Germany after May 1, 2024, pay the increased tax retroactively, ranging from €50 to €30 per passenger.

Industry experts believe the tax hike will negatively impact Germany's competitiveness in areas such as exports, tourism, and job creation, as flying from the country becomes more expensive.

Germany's aviation market recovery has been lagging behind Europe's due to its high taxes and fees, with a 22% tax increase set for

Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, has criticized Germany's high aviation taxes and fees, stating that the tax increase could lead to a doubling of the airline's traffic in Germany in the next six years if the taxes are lowered.

The tax increase is part of Germany's bid to help close a financing gap in its budget, although aviation trade groups have strongly opposed the move.

What else is in this post?

  1. Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Germany's New Aviation Tax Hike Rocks Ryanair
  2. Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Refund Process for Affected Ryanair Passengers
  3. Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Navigating Ryanair's Tax Increase Demands
  4. Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Rebooking Options in Light of Germany's Tax Changes
  5. Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Avoiding Ryanair's Administrative Refund Fees
  6. Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Implications of Germany's Aviation Tax Policy Shift

Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Refund Process for Affected Ryanair Passengers


Ryanair passengers affected by the recent tax hike in Germany may be entitled to a refund, but the process is not straightforward.

While Ryanair is required to issue refunds within seven days of a flight cancellation, in reality, only a small percentage of customers have received their money back within this timeframe.

Ryanair imposes a €17 administrative fee for processing refunds of government taxes on unused flights, even when the flights are cancelled.

Only 5% of Ryanair customers surveyed received their refunds within the legally required 7-day timeframe, with the majority facing long wait times.

According to a study, 84% of Ryanair customers have not received refunds for cancelled flights, despite the airline's legal obligation to issue them.

Ryanair's refund process is facilitated through its Wallet system, which allows customers to withdraw the refund to the original payment method or use the balance for future bookings.

The refund request must be submitted within one month of the scheduled travel date, highlighting Ryanair's strict timeline for such claims.

Ryanair has faced criticism for making the refund process overly complex, with initial issues reported with the online refund forms, further frustrating affected passengers.

Despite the legal requirement, Ryanair's refund performance lags behind other EU and UK airlines, with the majority of customers surveyed still waiting to receive their money back.

Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Navigating Ryanair's Tax Increase Demands


Ryanair is aggressively demanding that passengers flying from Germany after May 1, 2024 pay the retroactive increase in the country's aviation tax, which has sparked controversy in the industry.

While some passengers may opt to pay the additional €280 per person, others are choosing to seek refunds, though Ryanair's refund process has faced criticism for being overly complex and slow.

Ryanair's after-tax profit increased by 34% in the past year, reaching a record €92 billion, despite the airline's demands for passengers to pay retroactively for the increased aviation tax.

The airline reported record passenger traffic of 184 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2024, indicating strong demand despite the tax hike.

Ryanair estimates that if Germany reduces aviation taxes and airport charges, its traffic in the country could double in the next six years, highlighting the potential growth opportunities.

The airline's Help Centre states that passengers are only entitled to a government tax refund if they paid the tax at the time of booking, and the tax is included in the ticket price, which can be confusing for some passengers.

Ryanair may also refund ticket costs in the form of a travel credit if a passenger becomes seriously ill and is unable to travel, providing an alternative option for affected customers.

Industry experts believe the tax hike will negatively impact Germany's competitiveness in areas such as exports, tourism, and job creation, as flying from the country becomes more expensive.

Ryanair has previously suggested that high air travel taxes, coupled with potential airport charges, might lead to a surge in ticket prices, but the precise details regarding any potential fare changes remain undisclosed.

Despite the legal requirement, Ryanair's refund performance lags behind other EU and UK airlines, with the majority of customers surveyed still waiting to receive their money back for cancelled flights due to the airline's complex refund process.

Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Rebooking Options in Light of Germany's Tax Changes


Passengers affected by Ryanair's demand to pay the retroactive increase in Germany's aviation tax have the option to change their flights or request a refund.

However, changing flights may not result in a refund for the price difference, and change fees will apply outside the 24-hour grace period.

The rebooking process can be complex, as Ryanair's refund system has faced criticism for being slow and overly convoluted.

Ryanair has implemented a €17 administrative fee for processing refunds of government taxes on unused flights, even when the flights are cancelled.

Only 5% of Ryanair customers surveyed received their refunds within the legally required 7-day timeframe, with the majority facing long wait times.

84% of Ryanair customers have not received refunds for cancelled flights, despite the airline's legal obligation to issue them.

Ryanair's refund request must be submitted within one month of the scheduled travel date, highlighting the airline's strict timeline for such claims.

Ryanair's after-tax profit increased by 34% in the past year, reaching a record €92 billion, despite the airline's demands for passengers to pay retroactively for the increased aviation tax.

Ryanair reported record passenger traffic of 184 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2024, indicating strong demand despite the tax hike.

Ryanair's Help Centre states that passengers are only entitled to a government tax refund if they paid the tax at the time of booking, and the tax is included in the ticket price, which can be confusing for some passengers.

Ryanair may refund ticket costs in the form of a travel credit if a passenger becomes seriously ill and is unable to travel, providing an alternative option for affected customers.

Industry experts believe the tax hike will negatively impact Germany's competitiveness in areas such as exports, tourism, and job creation, as flying from the country becomes more expensive.

Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Avoiding Ryanair's Administrative Refund Fees


Ryanair, the low-cost airline, charges administrative fees for refunds, which can add up quickly.

These fees, reportedly around €69 (around $78 USD), may be negotiable down to €30, but can vary depending on the type of refund and the reason for the cancellation.

To avoid these fees, it's recommended that passengers review their travel insurance policies and carefully review their booking conditions to ensure they have adequate coverage for unexpected changes to their trip.

Ryanair charges an administrative fee of approximately €69 (around $78 USD) to process refunds of government taxes on unflown bookings, which can add up quickly for passengers.

Despite Ryanair's legal obligation to issue refunds within 7 days of a flight cancellation, only 5% of customers surveyed received their refunds within this timeframe, with the majority facing long wait times.

A study found that 84% of Ryanair customers have not received refunds for cancelled flights, despite the airline's legal requirement to provide them.

Ryanair's refund request must be submitted within one month of the scheduled travel date, highlighting the airline's strict timeline for such claims.

Ryanair's after-tax profit increased by 34% in the past year, reaching a record €92 billion, despite the airline's demands for passengers to pay retroactively for Germany's increased aviation tax.

Ryanair reported record passenger traffic of 184 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2024, indicating strong demand despite the tax hike in Germany.

Ryanair's Help Centre states that passengers are only entitled to a government tax refund if they paid the tax at the time of booking, and the tax is included in the ticket price, which can be confusing for some passengers.

Ryanair may refund ticket costs in the form of a travel credit if a passenger becomes seriously ill and is unable to travel, providing an alternative option for affected customers.

Industry experts believe the tax hike in Germany will negatively impact the country's competitiveness in areas such as exports, tourism, and job creation, as flying from Germany becomes more expensive.

Ryanair has suggested that high air travel taxes, coupled with potential airport charges, might lead to a surge in ticket prices, but the precise details regarding any potential fare changes remain undisclosed.

Ryanair Flight Tax Shocker Getting Your Refund for Germany's Steep Hike - Implications of Germany's Aviation Tax Policy Shift


Germany's recent 19% hike in aviation taxes has drawn strong criticism from Ryanair and other airlines.

The tax increase, ranging from €15.53 to €70.83 per passenger, is expected to negatively impact Germany's competitiveness in key economic areas like exports, tourism, and job creation as flying from the country becomes more expensive.

Ryanair has called on the German government to reduce aviation taxes and charges, arguing that doing so could potentially double the airline's traffic in the country within six years.

However, the complex refund process for passengers affected by the tax hike has further added to the controversy surrounding this policy shift.

The new aviation tax policy in Germany imposes a significant increase of up to 19% on flight taxes, ranging from €53 to €83 per passenger depending on the route.

Ryanair, a major low-cost airline, has strongly criticized the tax hike, arguing that it will make Germany less competitive in key economic areas like exports, tourism, and job creation.

Industry experts warn that the tax increase could weaken the German economy, particularly in sectors reliant on air travel.

Ryanair is demanding that passengers who booked flights from Germany after May 1, 2024, pay the increased tax retroactively, which has sparked controversy.

The airline has called on the German government to reduce aviation taxes and charges, suggesting that doing so could double Ryanair's traffic in the country within six years.

Ryanair's after-tax profit increased by 34% in the past year, reaching a record €92 billion, despite the airline's demands for passengers to pay the retroactive tax.

Ryanair reported record passenger traffic of 184 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2024, indicating strong demand despite the tax hike.

The airline's refund process for the increased taxes has been criticized for being overly complex and slow, with only 5% of customers surveyed receiving refunds within the legally required 7-day timeframe.

Ryanair imposes a €17 administrative fee for processing refunds of government taxes on unused flights, even when the flights are cancelled.

The refund request must be submitted within one month of the scheduled travel date, further complicating the process for affected passengers.

Ryanair's Help Centre states that passengers are only entitled to a government tax refund if they paid the tax at the time of booking, and the tax is included in the ticket price, which can be confusing for some passengers.
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