Delta’s Fuel Surcharge
Delta is the most recent airline to add a fuel surcharge for award seating redeemed with frequent flyer miles. Starting on August 15th, travelers will pay $25 for domestic flights and $50 for International flights booked with miles. Delta says they are hoping to drop the fees when the cost of fuel drops.
A similar charge has been initiated by other airlines, including United and US Airways.
“The price of fuel has nearly doubled in the last year, causing considerable financial stress to Delta’s business. As a result, Delta is implementing initiatives across all areas of the business to mitigate the extraordinary run up in fuel expense,” said Jeff Robertson, managing director of Delta’s SkyMiles program, in a statement.
The cost of fuel surcharges for award seats is still far less than people can expect to pay for a normal ticketed flight, which can run upwards of several hundred dollars for an International flight. Although travelers aren’t thrilled about the relentless charges being passed onto them by the airlines, most say this fuel surcharge won’t affect their choice to redeem miles. After all, it’s still far cheaper than a published fare.
“I understand why they’re doing it, but we’ve already paid once for the miles and I think it’s a little unfair for another charge to go on something we’ve already paid for long in advance,” said Kay Leibowitz, who lives in Knoxville, Tenn. and often travels through Atlanta on Delta for trips. “I don’t like the thought of having to pay it, but it’s part of what’s going on.”
