Originally Posted by
rwoman
Just booked DUB-ORD-YYZ-LHR to head back for the Chicago Marathon in October via the EXP desk as it was a ~$400 savings over flying ex-LHR. Even with the LHR-DUB and hotel the night before, I'll save $200.
Gist of my conversation after requesting an EVIP be applied:
EXP Desk: If your UG clears (DUB-ORD), you'll be assessed the luxury tax.
Me: Why?
EXP Desk: DUB is in the UK.
Me: Um, no, it's in Ireland...
When I went into the reservation online, I thought it was a bit weird they did not automatically request the ORD-YYZ UG...clicked that box and hit request!
AmAAzing. I've found some agents are geographically impaired. One insisted there were no award seats in J on QF on a particular date (LAX-ADL) - when I pointed out she was not looking at LAX-BNE-ADL, but rather only SYD and MEL, her comment was "Oh, BRIZZ-BAYNE!"
And yes, some insist on calling it a luxury tax - but the APD is the standard rate for ~anything 40" pitch or greater, and it's the discounted rate for anything less. Nasty little money grabbing by HM Revenue and Customs...