According to this post by Ben at One Mile at a Time , American Airlines has issued a memo announcing that, effective immediately, it will be adding fuel surcharges to International award tickets. This surcharge could add up to literally hundreds of dollars, effectively devaluing the AA mile. This news is running like wildfire through the blogs and forums.
According to Ben, only trips to Malaysia have been updated online to include the charge.
What does this all mean? It means that: if you are planning any International award travel using American Airlines miles, book it now. today. Alternatively, you can put a reservation on hold for 5 days, and gamble that, at the time of official booking, that they will not add in the fuel charge.
I am planning a trip to Tokyo in February. I just jumped on the AA website and held a flight. That could save a few hundred dollars.
Of course, the fear (well founded) is that other airlines will follow American’s lead.
If you would like assistance in booking award travel, First2Board has an Award Booking Service. Today would be an excellent time to contact them.
(note: this is a developing story, and there may be changes or additions)
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
Another reason to not like the ‘maybe’ upcoming merger. I need to book another Star Alliance flight….soon!