Doing some recent internet browsing in an effort to book some quality time away from my hectic work schedule I have been intrigued by the blatant "Scam" currently in operation by all major airlines. Lets take a trip to Washington in March.

 With Delta Airlines it will cost €383.76 + taxes of €62.82 . With Airlingus it will cost €718.00 + taxes of €78.99 (thought this was a lowfair airline???). With Brittish airways will cost €263 + taxes of €216.84 and finally with Airfrance will cost €240 + taxes of €200.10.

Why the difference in "taxes" I asked myself. Unpon investigation I discover that the last two airlines include circa €80.00 fuel charge in their taxes while the first two incorporate the same fuel charge into the fare charge. 

If we take an average 777 which is the typical plane used for trans-continental flights what benefit does this give to the airlines. A 777 -200 can carry 320 passengers with a 777 - 386 has capacity for 386 passengers. This additional fuel charge equates to between €25,600 and  €30,880 PER FLIGHT  and is in addition to the fare averaging around 500 euro per passenger or €193,000 per flight.

It is also worth noting that the Boeing 777 is reputed as being one of the most cost effective airplanes..... extract from Boing Frotiiers

Fuel efficiency. Carriers that operate the 777 and 787 will benefit from lower overall operating costs, thanks to the airplanes' dramatically reduced fuel consumption. The 777 is renowned for its operating economics; the 787 will be the most fuel-efficient airplane flying. Cogan said the 787 will provide 3,700 kilometers (2,000 nautical miles) more range and will consume 20 percent less fuel than its competitor on comparable routes.

Now I understood that the fuel surcharge introduced by Airlines was a s result of the increase in fuel prices in 2006 experienced by all of us. I as a "driver" also understand that those fuel charges have decreased substantially and the benefit has been passed on to the consumer (me buying my petrol in the station).

So why haven't the airlines reduced the surcharge on fuel or indeed eliminated it completely. What a scam and what really annoying S***!!

Happy Travelling - B