Surcharging exploits the travellers
Just how many more fuel surcharges can really be justified?
Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have both raised their fees and now charge £38 one way on their longest flights.
There is a good argument to say that the surcharges should be included in the price because fuel costs are simply part of an airline’s day to day business. But, even if you do accept them, how can the current levels be fair?
In May 2004, when a barrel of crude oil was $37, BA and Virgin introduced a surcharge of £2.50. Three years later, the price of oil has nearly doubled to $68 a barrel, but the fuel surcharge has increased 15-fold to £38.
The airlines are claiming the rise is justified because the cost of fuel has risen in recent weeks. Maybe, but it’s still $8 a barrel cheaper than when BA last raised its surcharges in April last year!
Guest Article by Jeremy Skidmore
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
My name is Alan Potts and I'm the Editor of the UK Ferry Tickets web site and Managing Director of BUYability Limited. You can connect with me or keep up to date with new posts on this blog via the following social media sites: 
