First Bag Fees, Now Fuel Surcharges — Global Airlines Will Impose New Fees On Longer Flights (And Not Even Miles or Points Can Save You)

First, it was bag fees. Now, fuel surcharges. Only, these won’t be optional. If you’re angling for an international trip this summer, you’ll likely be paying extra to cover filling the tank — whether you book with points or cash.

• Over a dozen international airlines — including Air France-KLM, Asiana Airlines, and Emirates — are now charging fuel surcharges on top of already-rising airfares.
• The amount varies dramatically, too — Qantas charges based on route and cabin class, ranging from $100 to $800.

No hope for award travelers: Booking with miles might seem like a smart workaround given higher fares, but you’ll still likely be on the hook for these fees. Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club — once a favorite among points travelers — just raised fees on award tickets by 50% due to the fuel drama. Another reminder to spend your points, not hoard them.