When redeeming award flights through All Nippon Airways' (ANA) Mileage Club, it's important to account for additional charges beyond the required miles, including fuel surcharges, taxes, and other fees.

Fuel Surcharges:
ANA imposes fuel surcharges on award tickets, with amounts varying based on the route and ticket purchase date. For instance, as of April 1, 2023, a one-way flight from the United States to Japan incurs a fuel surcharge of $259, irrespective of the travel class.

ANA reviews and adjusts its fuel surcharges bi-monthly, reflecting fluctuations in fuel prices. Therefore, surcharge amounts are subject to change.

Partner Airlines:
When booking award flights with partner airlines through ANA Mileage Club, fuel surcharges can differ significantly: ×

When redeeming award flights with Asiana Airlines' Asiana Club program, members should be aware of additional charges beyond the required miles. These charges typically include fuel surcharges, taxes, and other fees.

Fuel Surcharges:

• Asiana Airlines Flights: Asiana imposes fuel surcharges on its own award tickets. For example, round-trip flights between the U.S. and South Korea may incur fuel surcharges of approximately $462, with total taxes and fees around $550. 
• Partner Airlines: Fuel surcharges can vary significantly when booking award flights with partner airlines. Some partners may have minimal or no fuel surcharges, while others might have substantial fees. For instance, Lufthansa and Swiss Air Lines are known to have higher surcharges, potentially adding up to $549 in taxes and fees for a one-way business-class flight.
  
  

Taxes and Additional Fees:
In addition to fuel surcharges, award tickets are subject to various taxes and fees, such as airport facility charges and government-imposed taxes. These fees are mandatory and vary depending on the departure and arrival airports.

Strategies to Minimize Surcharges:

• Select Partners with Lower Surcharges: Booking award flights with partner airlines that have lower or no fuel surcharges can reduce overall costs. For example, Etihad Airways does not have fuel surcharges on award tickets booked through Asiana Club, resulting in minimal taxes and fees. 
• Monitor Fuel Surcharge Announcements: Asiana Airlines periodically updates its fuel surcharge rates based on oil prices. Staying informed about these changes can help in planning and potentially reducing costs.
• Consider Cabin Class: Some airlines impose the same fuel surcharge regardless of cabin class, while others vary the surcharge. Understanding these nuances can aid in making cost-effective redemption choices.

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When redeeming award flights through Copa Airlines' ConnectMiles program, members benefit from a policy that does not impose fuel surcharges or carrier-imposed fees on both Copa-operated flights and partner airline flights. This approach ensures that out-of-pocket expenses remain minimal, typically limited to standard taxes and government-imposed fees.

Taxes and Government-Imposed Fees:

• Copa Airlines Flights: For flights operated by Copa Airlines, the additional costs are generally confined to standard taxes and fees. For example, a business class award flight from Boston to Quito, Ecuador, can be booked for 35,000 miles with fees as low as $6.85 each way. 
• Partner Airlines: When booking award flights with partner airlines through ConnectMiles, similar benefits apply. For instance, a one-way Emirates business class flight from the U.S. to Dubai can be redeemed for 80,000 miles, with taxes and fees amounting to approximately $10. This is notably advantageous compared to booking directly through Emirates, where fuel surcharges can approach $1,000 for a business class flight.
  
  

Booking Fees:
While Copa Airlines maintains low surcharges, it's important to note that booking fees may apply depending on the method of reservation. Specifically, reservations made over the phone or in person at a sales office may incur additional charges. However, most award bookings can be completed online, allowing members to avoid these fees.

Summary:
Copa Airlines' ConnectMiles program offers a traveler-friendly approach by eliminating fuel surcharges on award redemptions, both for its own flights and those of its partners. This policy ensures that members only need to cover minimal taxes and government-imposed fees, making ConnectMiles a cost-effective option for award travel. ×

When redeeming award flights through EgyptAir's EgyptAir Plus program, members should be aware of additional charges beyond the redeemed miles. These charges typically include taxes, fees, and carrier-imposed surcharges.

Carrier-Imposed Surcharges:
EgyptAir does impose fuel surcharges on award tickets. For example, members have reported surcharges amounting to a few hundred dollars for a one-way long-haul first-class award ticket.

Taxes and Additional Fees:
In addition to fuel surcharges, award tickets are subject to various taxes and fees, such as airport facility fees and international departure fees. These additional expenses are the responsibility of the member and are non-refundable.

Strategies to Minimize Surcharges:

• Choose Partner Airlines: Booking award flights with partner airlines that have lower or no surcharges can reduce overall costs.
• Monitor Program Changes: Stay informed about updates to the EgyptAir Plus program, as policies regarding surcharges and award bookings may change.
• Utilize Promotions: Look for promotions or special offers that may allow for reduced surcharges or increased mileage value.

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When redeeming award flights through EVA Air's Infinity MileageLands program, be aware that additional charges, including fuel surcharges and taxes, may apply. These fees vary based on factors such as the route, cabin class, and specific airports involved.

Fuel Surcharges and Taxes:

• EVA Air imposes fuel surcharges and miscellaneous fees on award tickets. For example, a one-way economy award ticket from San Francisco (SFO) to Okinawa (OKA) via Taipei (TPE) incurred a carrier surcharge of $133, in addition to $43.60 in taxes.
• Similarly, a business class award ticket from Taipei (TPE) to Tokyo (NRT) required 25,000 miles plus TWD 1,122 (approximately USD 40) in fees.
  
  

Booking Service Charges: ×

Avianca's LifeMiles program is known for not passing on carrier-imposed fuel surcharges to its members when booking award flights. This means that, typically, you would only be responsible for paying the standard taxes and fees associated with your ticket.

Standard Fees:

• Taxes and Government Fees: These are mandatory charges imposed by governments and airports, varying by departure and arrival locations.
• Partner Booking Fee: LifeMiles charges a $25 fee for award bookings on partner airlines. This fee is added during the final payment stage and is non-refundable.
  
  

Notable Considerations: ×

When redeeming award flights through Aegean Airlines' Miles+Bonus program, it's important to be aware of additional charges that may apply, including taxes, airport duties, insurance surcharges, and other fees imposed by public authorities. These charges are payable by the member upon ticket issuance and are not covered by the redeemed miles.

Booking Fees:

• Telephone Bookings: If you choose to book an award flight over the phone, a booking fee of €20 (approximately $22) per ticket is applied.
  
  

Change and Refund Fees:

• Itinerary Changes and Refunds: Modifying or canceling an award ticket incurs a fee of €20 (approximately $22) per ticket. Cancellations must be requested at least 30 minutes before departure through the call center. 
• No-Show Policy: If you fail to cancel at least 30 minutes before departure and do not board the flight, all segments are canceled, and a no-show fee of €30 (approximately $33) is charged to redeposit your miles and refund the taxes and fees.
  
  

Infant Award Travel: ×

When redeeming award flights through Lufthansa's Miles & More program, members should be aware of additional charges beyond the required miles. These charges typically include taxes, fees, and carrier-imposed surcharges, which can significantly impact the overall cost of the ticket.

Carrier-Imposed Surcharges:
Lufthansa imposes substantial carrier surcharges on award tickets, particularly for long-haul flights. For instance, reports indicate that surcharges for a round-trip business class award ticket between Europe and North America have increased to approximately €400 per direction, totaling around €800 for the round trip. This is in addition to any applicable taxes and fees.

Taxes and Fees:
In addition to carrier surcharges, award tickets are subject to various taxes and government-imposed fees, which vary depending on the departure and arrival airports, as well as the countries involved. These can include airport taxes, security fees, and other charges.

Flex Plus Award Flight Option:
To mitigate out-of-pocket expenses related to surcharges, Lufthansa offers the Flex Plus Award Flight option. This allows members to use additional miles to cover airline surcharges for flights operated by Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, or SWISS. For example, by redeeming 75,000 miles instead of 60,000 miles for a round-trip flight from Frankfurt to New York in Economy Class, you can save over €240 in airline surcharges.

Cash & Miles Program:
Alternatively, the Cash & Miles program enables members to offset the total ticket price, including taxes, fees, and surcharges, by redeeming miles. This option is available for all travel classes, providing flexibility in managing travel expenses.

Strategies to Minimize Surcharges:

• Choose Partner Airlines: Booking award flights with partner airlines that have lower or no surcharges can reduce overall costs.
• Monitor Program Changes: Stay informed about updates to the Miles & More program, as policies regarding surcharges and award bookings may change.
• Utilize Promotions: Look for promotions or special offers that may allow for reduced surcharges or increased mileage value.

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When redeeming award flights through Turkish Airlines' Miles&Smiles program, it's important to be aware of additional charges, including fuel surcharges, taxes, and fees. These charges vary based on factors such as the airline, route, and class of service.

Fuel Surcharges:

• Turkish Airlines Flights: Turkish Airlines imposes fuel surcharges on award tickets, though they are relatively moderate compared to some other carriers. For instance, one-way business class awards may incur fuel surcharges ranging from approximately $180 to $270. 
• Star Alliance Partner Flights: When booking award flights with Star Alliance partners through Miles&Smiles, fuel surcharges can vary significantly:
• Minimal Surcharges: Airlines such as Air Canada, Avianca, SAS, and United Airlines typically have minimal fuel surcharges.
• Moderate Surcharges: Carriers like LOT Polish Airlines and Turkish Airlines itself have reasonable fuel surcharges.
• High Surcharges: Conversely, airlines within the Lufthansa Group may impose substantial fuel surcharges, potentially exceeding $1,000.
  
  

Taxes and Additional Fees:
Beyond fuel surcharges, award tickets are subject to various taxes and fees, which depend on the departure and arrival airports, as well as the specific route. These fees are standard across most frequent flyer programs and are payable at the time of ticket issuance.

• Change and Cancellation Fees:
  
• Date or Route Changes: For award tickets on Turkish Airlines-operated flights, changes to dates or routes can be made within one year of the ticket's issuance. Fees per transaction are:
• Domestic Flights: TRY 150
• International Flights: USD 70
  Any additional taxes and fees resulting from route changes are the responsibility of the member.
  
  
• No-Show Penalties: Failing to cancel a booking prior to departure (no-show) incurs reissuance fees:
• Domestic Flights: TRY 200
• International Flights: USD 150
  
  
• Miles Refunds: Miles redeemed for award tickets can be refunded for a fee, provided no discount coupons were used. Refunded miles will retain their original expiration date. Refund fees per transaction are:
• Domestic Flights: TRY 150
• International Flights: USD 70
  
  

Infant Award Tickets:
For infants under 2 years old, Turkish Airlines charges 10% of the adult mileage rate for award tickets. These can be booked online or via customer service.

Important Considerations:

• Fee Variability: All fees and surcharges are subject to change and may vary based on factors such as exchange rates and seasonal adjustments.
• Advance Planning: To minimize additional costs, it's advisable to review the latest fee structures and surcharges before booking award flights.

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When redeeming award flights through Air China's PhoenixMiles program, it's important to be aware of additional charges that may apply, including taxes, fees, and surcharges. These charges can vary based on factors such as the route, class of service, and operating carrier.

Taxes and Fees:

• General Charges: Award tickets are typically subject to various taxes and fees, including but not limited to airport charges, security fees, and governmental taxes. The exact amount depends on the departure and arrival airports, as well as the specific route.
  
  

Fuel Surcharges:

• Applicability: Air China may impose fuel surcharges on award tickets. The amount can vary depending on the flight segment and class of service.
  
  

Change and Cancellation Fees: ×

When redeeming award flights through South African Airways' (SAA) Voyager program, members should be aware of additional charges beyond the required miles. These charges encompass various taxes, fees, and surcharges, which vary depending on factors such as the flight route, class of service, and departure and arrival airports.

Taxes and Surcharges: ×

When redeeming award flights through Ethiopian Airlines' ShebaMiles program, members should anticipate additional charges beyond the required miles. These charges typically include government taxes, fees, and surcharges, which vary based on factors such as the flight route, class of service, and departure and arrival airports. The exact amounts are calculated and displayed during the booking process, allowing members to view and pay them at the time of ticket issuance.

Service Fees:

• Date Change Fees: After an award ticket is issued, changes to the travel date or flight are permitted for a fee of USD 50 per change for international flights. ShebaMiles Silver members are entitled to one free rebooking before the trip commences, Gold members receive two free rebookings, and Platinum members enjoy unlimited free rebookings before and after the trip begins. 
• Refund Fees: If you need to cancel a fully unused award ticket, a refund can be processed against a fee of USD 100, provided the miles are still within their validity period. Partially used award tickets are non-refundable.
  
  

Important Considerations:

• Fee Payment: All additional charges, including taxes, fees, and service charges, are payable at the time of ticket issuance. Payments can typically be made via credit or debit card.
• Variability: Taxes, fees, and service charges are subject to change and may vary based on factors such as exchange rates and regulatory adjustments.
• Advance Planning: To minimize additional costs and ensure awareness of current fees, it's advisable to review the latest fee structures and surcharges before booking award flights.

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When redeeming award flights through Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer program, members should anticipate additional charges beyond the required miles. These charges primarily consist of taxes, fees, and surcharges, which vary based on factors such as the flight route, class of service, and departure and arrival airports.

Taxes and Surcharges:

• Singapore Airlines Flights: Singapore Airlines does not impose fuel surcharges on its own flights booked with KrisFlyer miles. However, passengers are responsible for government taxes, airport fees, and other charges, which vary by route. For example, one-way Saver Awards start from 15,000 KrisFlyer miles plus approximately US$24 in taxes, charges, and fees.
• Partner Airlines: While Singapore Airlines waives fuel surcharges on its own flights, it passes on any fuel surcharges imposed by partner airlines. Therefore, when redeeming miles for flights operated by partner carriers, members may incur additional surcharges. For instance, booking an award flight on EVA Air using KrisFlyer miles may result in higher surcharges due to the fees imposed by EVA Air.
  
  

Service Fees:

• Award Ticket Rebooking Fees: If you need to change your award ticket, Singapore Airlines charges a rebooking fee, which varies depending on your KrisFlyer membership tier and the timing of the change. For example, a rebooking fee of US$75 applies to Economy Saver award flights if changes are made after ticket issuance. 
• No-Show Fees: Failing to show up for a flight without prior cancellation may result in a no-show fee, in addition to any other applicable fees. For example, missing an Economy Saver award flight and requesting a refund may incur a total fee of US$175, combining both the no-show fee and the refund processing fee.
  
  

Important Considerations: ×

When redeeming award flights through TAP Air Portugal's Miles&Go program, it's important to be aware of additional charges beyond the required miles. These typically include:

Taxes and Fees:

• Government and Airport Charges: These are mandatory fees imposed by governments and airports, varying based on the departure and arrival locations.
  
  
• Carrier-Imposed Surcharges: TAP Air Portugal may levy additional charges on award tickets, which can vary depending on the route and class of service.
  
  For example, a round-trip economy award flight between New York/Newark (EWR) and Lisbon (LIS) may require 89,500 miles plus approximately $164 in taxes and fees. Similarly, a round-trip business-class award on the same route might require 245,000 miles plus around €85.56 (approximately $92) in taxes and fees.
  
  

Service Fees:

• Booking Through Customer Service or TAP Counters: If you choose to book award tickets via the TAP Miles&Go Customer Service or at TAP counters, service fees apply per passenger.
• Ponte Aérea and Domestic Flights: €15
• Continental Flights: €25
• Intercontinental Flights: €40
• Partner Airlines: €50
  
  
• Online Bookings: Booking award tickets online incurs lower service fees:
• Ponte Aérea and Domestic Flights: Free
• Continental Flights: €15
• Intercontinental Flights: €25
• Partner Airlines: €40
  
  
• Ticket Changes: Modifying an award ticket may incur fees. For example, changes to award ticket dates, flight numbers, time, or booking class can be made for a fee of $55.
  
  
• No-Show Fees: Failing to board a flight without prior cancellation may result in no-show fees, which vary depending on the flight type and membership status.
  
  

Important Considerations:

• Variability: Taxes, fees, and surcharges are subject to change and can vary based on factors such as exchange rates, route, and class of service.
• Advance Planning: To minimize additional costs and ensure awareness of current fees, it's advisable to review the latest fee structures and surcharges before booking award flights.

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When redeeming United MileagePlus miles for award flights, it's important to be aware of additional charges beyond the miles required. These charges typically include:

Taxes and Government-Imposed Fees:

• U.S. Domestic Flights: For flights within the United States, a mandatory September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per one-way trip applies.
• International Flights: Taxes and fees on international award tickets vary by destination and can range from approximately $50 to several hundred dollars. These fees are imposed by governments and airports and may include charges such as departure taxes, customs fees, and immigration fees. For example, flights departing from certain European airports may incur higher taxes due to local regulations.
  
  

Carrier-Imposed Surcharges:
United Airlines does not impose additional carrier surcharges (often referred to as fuel surcharges) on award tickets booked with MileagePlus miles. This policy applies to flights operated by United as well as its partner airlines. Consequently, when booking award flights through MileagePlus, you are generally responsible only for the applicable taxes and government-imposed fees, without additional carrier surcharges.

Booking and Service Fees:
United has eliminated award change and redeposit fees, providing greater flexibility for travelers. However, if you choose to book an award ticket over the phone through United's customer service, a telephone booking fee of $25 per ticket may apply. This fee is waived for Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members.

Additional Considerations:

• Partner Airlines: While United does not impose carrier surcharges on award tickets, some partner airlines may have their own fees and policies. It's advisable to review the specific terms when booking flights operated by partner carriers.
• Dynamic Pricing: Award pricing and associated fees can vary based on demand, route, and other factors. Regularly checking award availability and being flexible with travel dates can help in finding options with lower fees.

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