Rethink using points for Hong Kong long haul flights.

[airmale]

I just reluctantly redeemed a Syd-HK economy flight using my Asia Miles (45,000 miles) and the tax + fuel surchage came in at a whopping AUD $408!

Thus I wanted to say that if you're thinking of traveling to Hong Kong, you might want to re-think using your hard earn points to redeem flights there.

Some investigation shows that the fuel surcharge levied by the major airlines flying into the region (and approved by the HK Civil Aviation Department) are beyond ridiculous. The average rate for long haul flights will set you back HKD 1093 (AUD $140) each way. Coupled with the Sydney and HK Aiport taxes, this brings the fee to over $400.


Virgin Atlantic provides a detailed breakdown of the tax+fuel surcharge of which the total is similar to Cathay Pacific and QANTAS:

Operating Airline Fuel & Insurance Surcharge
AUD 284.20

Australia Passenger Movement Charge
AUD 55.00

Australia International Passenger Service Charge
AUD 51.84

Hong Kong Airport Passenger Departure Tax
AUD 15.60

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total AUD 406.64


What gives?!!! What's the justification for them charging so much when a flight from Syd-LAX only cost me $165 in Tax+Fuel surcharges!

 

[Simo]

I just reluctantly redeemed a Syd-HK economy flight using my Asia Miles (45,000 miles) and the tax + fuel surchage came in at a whopping AUD $408!

Thus I wanted to say that if you're thinking of traveling to Hong Kong, you might want to re-think using your hard earn points to redeem flights there.

Some investigation shows that the fuel surcharge levied by the major airlines flying into the region (and approved by the HK Civil Aviation Department) are beyond ridiculous. The average rate for long haul flights will set you back HKD 1093 (AUD $140) each way. Coupled with the Sydney and HK Aiport taxes, this brings the fee to over $400.


Virgin Atlantic provides a detailed breakdown of the tax+fuel surcharge of which the total is similar to Cathay Pacific and QANTAS:

Operating Airline Fuel & Insurance Surcharge
AUD 284.20

Australia Passenger Movement Charge
AUD 55.00

Australia International Passenger Service Charge
AUD 51.84

Hong Kong Airport Passenger Departure Tax
AUD 15.60

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total AUD 406.64


What gives?!!! What's the justification for them charging so much when a flight from Syd-LAX only cost me $165 in Tax+Fuel surcharges!

All I can say is someone is making a lot of money when you consider that a full A380 will be app $160K in taxes.