How Do I Get A VAT Refund if Flying on a Private Jet to/from Europe?

Dear PurseBop:

How can you get a VAT refund flying private from Europe to the U.S.? 

Dear Private Jet Flyer:

When flying to/from Europe from the U.S. by private jet it is best to choose a private airport that has Customs and Immigration facilities. Many but not all airports have this service. 

Two examples are Farnborough Airport (FAB) near London in the United Kingdom and Paris Le Bourget Airport (LBG) in France. Both have customs officers available and are able to process VAT refunds and allow you to clear customs and immigration. VAT refunds are processed at private airports in the same manner as commercial international airports such as Charles de Gaulle airport. There are agents available to assist with the process. 

If returning to or flying to the United States, you must clear customs and immigration upon arrival. Three significant entry airports are Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey across the Hudson River from Manhattan and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) near Los Angeles, California. Both have customs officers available to process your documents.

While it is a commercial airport, Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) has a customs and immigration facility, making it a better choice than the much larger and busier Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). 

If you have purchases to declare, the customs officers will be able to assist with this process. Be sure to declare all purchases and do not deceive the customs officer. The risk is a heavy fine, higher duties on the items purchased, and potential penalties.

Read:

Travel Tips From Paris: Hermès Prices, VAT, and Customs