Avoid UK APD by flying from Europe: travel agents

UK travel experts stated that long-haul passengers could avoid most of the new APD taxes by first flying from the UK to Europe in economy class and then catch the long-haul sector from Paris or Amsterdam (Telegraph, 30-Oct-2010). Research from UK travel agency The Co-operative Travel shows that on long haul services, the first sector to mainland Europe would incur GBP48 in taxes, and the second sector - as long as it was not connecting - would be tax-free, saving a family up to GBP632 in taxes. Co-operative indicated this tactic would make most sense for those usually needing to travel to London to catch a long-haul service. The travel agency asked, "why bother flying to Heathrow if you can save a few hundred pounds by flying to Schiphol?"

The Co-operative Travel: "There are ways for holidaymakers to get around APD with families booking economy able to save several hundred pounds by flying from other European hub airports, such as Schiphol. First class or business travellers stand to pocket the most, with a family of four flying to the Caribbean from Amsterdam able to save over £500. Our research shows that consumers will look at alternative airports to fly from to lessen the impact of APD and this is bound to have a major impact on UK airlines." Mike Greenacre, MD. Source: Telegraph, 30-Oct-2010.

EssentialTravel.co.uk: "We are very conscious that the APD hikes, which come into effect next week, will seriously impact our customers' wallets and predict that many will look at travelling to their long-haul destination via Europe to avoid the higher tax they'd be charged if flying from a UK airport." Stuart Bensusan, EssentialTravel.co.uk. Source: Telegraph, 30-Oct-2010.