Reclaim tax on children’s flights

The government delivered good news for globetrotting parents a year ago, taking children out of one of the highest flying taxes in the world.

Air passenger duty, which is payable on flights leaving UK airports, has not applied to under-12s since May 1 2015, and will no longer be levied on under-16s flying from March 1.

Bookings made before the reforms were signed into law, for travel after these dates, will have included the tax, but fear not — refunds are still available from the airline in question.

It is worth checking whether you paid the levy, especially for longer flights. On flights further than 2,000 miles — typically four hours or longer — the rebate will be £71 per child. For short-haul flights, £13 will be due. On premium seats, you will be owed twice as much.

Air passenger duty can also be reclaimed if you have missed a flight from a UK airport. Unless you want the airline to keep the tax on your empty seat, get on their website and ask for it back.