Cheapest Departure Regions in Europe for Reduced YQ
Nov 13, 2021, 2:24 am
#3
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It’s not the YQ that’s the main differentiator but APD - the UK departure tax, that is £180 for all cabins above economy. APD is not payable by those connecting from outside the UK (and certain other airports).
Nov 13, 2021, 2:28 am
#4
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That difference in you example sounds more like APD rather than any YQ from the carrier, so starting outside the UK or at INV/JER will mean you don't pay it. APD at the moment is £180 for any cabin above Y, and going up to £185 from next April.
Nov 13, 2021, 2:30 am
#5
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Well, yes and no. As Tobias UK rightly mentions, what the OP is complaining about is the Government's levied APD and not YQ. APD is UK-specific (and not even entirely UK-wide as it excludes some specific airports), but a number of countries also levy specific taxes on departures including Italy, Norway, Germany and France. Neither is as high as the UK APD (indeed, not nearly), but at the risk of stating a truism, it is more than departing from countries which levy no such tax at all.
Nov 13, 2021, 5:10 pm
#7
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The surcharges are also lower if you start your journey from Scandinavia. Depending on currency fluctuations, either CPH or OSL can be lower (but I think Norway is still closed right now).
Nov 13, 2021, 11:00 pm
#8
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Norway has been open for a while now, proof of vaccination is required on entry and it feels very strange not having to wear a mask.
Nov 14, 2021, 12:32 am
#9
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Yes, APD is a factor, but there are also varying levels of YQ depending on where you start. Surprise, surprise... countries known for lower airfares also generally have lower YQ and/or lower departure taxes... So the usual ex-EU suspects for TP runs or Qatar cheapies...
DUB, CPH, OST, ARN, SOF, MAD, BCN, MXP, etc.
Of course, this is mostly relevant when spending AA or AS miles, since the extra Avios charged for the connection eats into much of the $ savings...
DUB, CPH, OST, ARN, SOF, MAD, BCN, MXP, etc.
Of course, this is mostly relevant when spending AA or AS miles, since the extra Avios charged for the connection eats into much of the $ savings...
Nov 14, 2021, 2:55 am
#10
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Also worth bearing in mind that the YQ if you redeem through Iberia instead is often far lower (sometimes the number of Avios is also lower). A friend saved hundreds by moving Avios to his IB account and booking MAD-SJO in business, instead of doing it with BA.
Nov 14, 2021, 8:11 am
#11
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Nov 17, 2021, 1:02 pm
#13
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