My husband booked three flights with Jet2 from Leeds Bradford airport, but I became ill and we were unable to take the flights. We accepted that Jet2 would not refund our fares, but found it odd that it kept the airport taxes.

These, of course, are taken by the Government when passengers travel, but not when they don’t. This means that Jet2 makes more money from passengers who do not fly than those who do. Can you help? Ms Hill, via e-mail

Times Travel Doctor responds: There’s good news and bad news. Airlines must return the tax and airport charges if customers request it on flights not taken but most carriers levy an administration charge — and Jet2’s is one of the highest.

A Jet2.com spokesman said: “Any refund of the air passenger duty element of a fare is subject to a £40 administration fee per booking. To offer the lowest possible fares, we automate as much of our processing as possible and this administration charge reflects the costs involved in the manual administration required for the handling of a refund.”

Refunds can be obtained by writing to PO Box 314, Leeds LS19 9DY — and there is no time limit.

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