American Express Membership Rewards - MR Transfer to Int'l Airlines without Surcharges?

Are there any international airline points programs that don't charge [relatively] exorbitant surcharges to biz/upper/first redemptions these days? I've tried VS JFK to LHR, $1500/pp, SQ JFK to FHR, $1100 for two. I guess this is just par for the course these days?

The answer will depend on the route as much as much as the transfer partner. All airlines collect the UK government Air Passenger Duty on departures from LHR, but not all collect fuel surcharges. For example, AC Aeroplan does not collect fuel surcharges on flights operated by UA or US. Likewise you may find that redeeming through ANA for flights operated by VS requires fewer miles and lower surcharges than redeeming directly through VS.

Likewise you may find that redeeming through ANA for flights operated by VS requires fewer miles and lower surcharges than redeeming directly through VS.

What about TATL redemptions? Still no YQ on UA or US? Howbout on LH or LX?

My understanding is that NH collect YQ at rates lower than BA or VS, but I do not know the details. The best place to ask would be in the ANA forum.