fees

YQ

Fuel Surcharge

Definition

Cash surcharges added to award flights, technically classified as fuel surcharges but really airline revenue. Can run $500-1000+ each way on premium cabins.

Why it matters

Major YQ culprits: British Airways Avios on BA metal (~£600/way), Air France/KLM partners, Lufthansa Miles & More. Workarounds: use partners that don't pass through YQ, like Alaska Mileage Plan on BA, or AAdvantage on Qatar.