Vat lhr ek
 

Have any EK crew operating out of LHR been able to claim VAT back on purchases? What's the procedure if so?

Haven't done it lately but I think it's still feasible. Think you would need to make a separate visit to the HM Customs (near EK Check-in) in Terminal 3 prior to your flight as there is no way back to it once you're airside as far as I know.

Frankly, unless you are making a major purchase it's really not worth the hassle. All the VAT refunds are done through 3rd parties and by the time they've taken their cut you're left with about 50p!

Thanks for the responses!

Wiz,

BHX is very easy to do, there is a Vat return box in airside departure hall, on the left out of crew security near where the pax come out of their security.

Make sure u get a VAT claim back receipt from the retailer, MAC shop very good at this, u only get 12-13% of the 20% back thou.