For SkyMiles customers redeeming miles for award tickets, no way around these fees unless DL changes the way it deals with SkyMiles customers redeeming miles for award tickets.
Originally Posted by
spgaston
On August 15th DL instituted a $5o fuel surcharge for int'l award tickets ($25 domestic). The new fuel surcharge triggers federal excise tax, which formerly didn't apply to a 'free' ticket. Don't forget about Delta's industry leading partner award fee of $25 too.
I wonder what the result of this is for business class redemptions from markets where a luxury tax is due on business class bookings as soon as the airline charges a cash component for award travel.
DL's approach to increasing revenue at time of award ticket redemption is making the cash component cost of award ticket travel with DL exceed that which is due when redeeming miles from other US airlines.