HOLIDAYS are getting more expensive from today with a rise in Air Passenger Duty (APD).
ADP, first introduced in 1994, is the ‘tax’ that passengers have to pay when flying from the majority of UK airports, which is built into the cost of flights.
From today, the rates have increased, and how much you pay depends on the final destination and the class of travel.
Band A is any destination abroad whose capital city is 2,000 miles or less from London, which covers all of Europe and parts of North Africa.
For example, flying in economy to a short-haul destination like Spain, Greece or Portugal has some of the lowest rates from £15.
A family of four could therefore expect to pay £60 under the new rules if travelling in economy.
However, this can go up to £32 per passenger depending on the class they are flying in.
When flying further afield, or in a premium economy or higher, the tax goes up.
Band B is any destination whose capital city is 2,001-5,500 miles from London, so long-haul destinations such as Egypt or the Maldives.
These range from £102 to £244 – so it would be £408 for a family of four in economy flying to resort towns like Sharm El Sheikh.
Band C is for destinations whose capital city is over 5,500 miles from London.
These include Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Buenos Aires and all Australia.
The rates range from £106 to £253 – meaning it could be more than £1,000 for a family of four at the top rate.
There is an even higher rate which in line with Band C can be as high as £1,141 – but this applies to private jets.
UK domestic flights range from £8 to £16 depending on class.
The government will review the rates of APD again on April 1, 2027.
There aren’t many ways to avoid paying APD, but if you still want to go abroad and avoid the extra fee, there are a few ways to do so.
Passengers under 16 who are travelling in basic economy are exempt from paying APD – although if they fly premium economy or above, they will be charged.
One is to fly into the UK on one plane and out within 24 hours on another.
But you need to have them both included in the same ticket.
Or, fly on a route from a UK airport that is not subject to APD.
Scottish Highlands and Islands region are exempt like Inverness, Oban, Sumburgh and Stornoway.
Direct long-haul flights from Northern Ireland are also exempt as long as the first part of the journey is to a destination not in the UK or in Band A.
When the departure tax was first introduced, it was just £5 European flight and £10 on long-haul services.
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