Is there any way to avoid the fuel surcharge booking Classic Awards?

[paultiffen]

Hi,

I'm looking to book a trip to Europe next year on points. Not too happy after accruing enough points that they've included the fuel surcharge in taxes. Last time it was about 350 in taxes this time about 850. I feel like it's devalued my points.

Any way to avoid this? I noticed that booking partner awards on AA you don't get charged them for example. I guess another option is trying to find a cheapish ASA and doing points+pay.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[deadfish]

The only OneWorld carriers IIRC that charge low/no fuel surcharge are AA, IB and LA. All others are comparable or worse than Qantas.

Paying the full amount on ASAs give the illusion that you're flying for free - in reality you're paying the equivalent of 1 cent per point on the surcharge, which is poor value IMO.

 

[JohnK]

Unfortunately if you are using QFF points then there is really no way of avoiding the taxes and surcharges.

From memory fuel surcharges have been around since 2004 anyway. Not good but they are the rules....

 

[straitman]

Paying the full amount on ASAs give the illusion that you're flying for free - in reality you're paying the equivalent of 1 cent per point on the surcharge, which is poor value IMO.

This does of course depend upon how much you are paying for the ASA. There are many that are very good value when compared to classic awards.

 

[blu]

I wouldn't use BA ex LHR (Jasa) again because of the high surcharges.
Maybe EK will be better.

 

[brett-au]

Try flying via frankfurt (if you get in early enough). Should be a lot less in taxes and charges. Dont ask me why.

 

[aikman]

El Al is a QFF partner with no fuel surcharge. They fly fom Bangkok to various places in Europe.