Taxes & Fees more expensive on US-->Europe flights than in the past?

Not sure about this, however, I want to say when I was in the UK last May, everyone was complaining about the new carbon taxes on airline fares. This could be it. part of the conversation was that AMS would be more competitive becuase the NL wasn't going in that direction.

There may also be a fuel surcharge buried within those taxes & fees.

It is a bit more complex. Taxes haven't changed but what is called fees has. Taxes are obviously set by the various government agencies. Fees are simply costs of operations that in the past were a part of the "fare." Now these fees are being broken out and listed separately so that the "fare" can be made to look very low. Why ?? because they think we are stupid and to a degree we are.

Most of us are now booking or at least looking at fares via the internet and various search engines. Since search engines only look at the fare and not the total cost, it is extremely important for the airline to make the first page or even the lowest priced flight. Therefore, the drive is to keep the fare low and pile on the fees later. It is just a game.

erin,

I suspect the higher fees and taxes are going to be normal this year (and perhaps from now on). I just booked my flights to Europe for this year, and as I recall the "fees and taxes" were about Cdn$400!

I was recently checking ticket prices on the EasyJet website, and I believe the fares quoted there include all taxes and fees.

Good luck!

There are 2 potential parts to this. By law, the US carriers have to include the fuel surcharge in the ticket price which is why you see Delta's taxes in the $150 range. Most European carriers put the fuel surcharge in the taxes section. However, in general, the total price differential between European and US carriers may only be a few $ if the airlines are being competitive.

The 2nd thing to consider is if you are starting or ending your journey in the UK. In this case the taxes are indeed much higher (compared to 5-6 years ago) since the UK imposed some sort of Carbon tax a few years ago. The extra tax doesn't apply if you are just connecting through the UK on the same ticket. However you will see it if you buy one ticket to the UK and another to get you from say London to the continent.

We recently booked airfare on Icelandair. $1008 airfare + 82 taxes/fees. Comparable itinerary on US based airline was $963 airfare + $392 taxes/fees. Found this interesting.

By law, the US carriers have to include the fuel surcharge in the ticket price which is why you see Delta's taxes in the $150 range.

Are you sure about that? I'm a Continental frequent flier, and anytime I book with them the fuel surcharge is listed with the fees, and not part of the fare. My last trip was to Hong Kong and this is how it was broken down:

Airfare: 677.00 USD

U.S. Customs User Fee: 5.50

U.S. APHIS User Fee: 5.00

U.S. Federal Transportation Tax: 32.20

U.S. Security Service Fee: 2.50

Hong Kong Airport Passenger Departure Tax: 15.50

Fuel Surcharge: 112.00

U.S. Passenger Facility Charge: 4.50

U.S. Immigration User Fee: 7.00

Per Person Total: 861.20 USD

eTicket Total: 861.20 USD

I know that in the detail breakdown they list it all separately. However, when advertising a fare, the fuel surcharge must be included in the advertised price for US carries.

i.e. they are not allowed to advertize RT for 400 when the total comes out to say 750 because of $200 fuel surcharge and $150 taxes. They have to advertise it as $600 + taxes. However, most European carriers will advertize the low price and then hit you with the fuel surcharge when you get to the total.

Thanks, everyone-- good info. I think the fuel increase is what I'm noticing--- and as you said, US carriers have to list it as part of the price. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that some of those prices for May/june come down!

BA claim they advertise fully inclusive fares. However, they have just introduced a seat selection fee if you want to reserve a particular seat more than 24 hours before the flight. But I suppose that is an optional extra, unlike Ryanairs's check in fees!