For those interested in the BA fuel surcharge, I called the partner desk yesterday (Aug. 11) to book a similar trip to Europe next summer.

For this BA itinerary (SEA-LHR-LGW-VCE, ZRH-LHR-SEA) in business class, the rep quoted me a total of $295 per ticket for taxes, fees and fuel surcharge (not to mention the scrambling from Heathrow to Gatwick to make a four-hour connection). That does not include Alaska's $15 ticketing fee and $25 partner fee.

I ended up booking on Air France (SEA-CDG-VCE, MUC-CDG-SEA) in business and the taxes and fees were $105.

I'm sure BA's product is better, but, to me, it's not worth an addition 20,000 miles and $190 per ticket.