How come TG didn't ask for the charge when the ticket was issued? I thought only certain airport taxes are not included in the "price" of a ticket at the time of purchase (redemption in the case of award tickets) and need to be paid at the time of check-in. Other than that, I thought once is issued, the "price" of the ticket is locked in. I can't imagine being asked to pay for a fuel surcharge at the check-in desk (be it a paid or award ticket). What if the fuel surcharge has skyrocketed since the time the ticket has been issued? Pay the higher amount?? I hope this is carrier-specific and not common practice, otherwise we will be in for lots of surprises.

LAX