Interesting to see this thread here... I recently booked a flight YVR-LAS. The taxes and fees jumped $42 from what I was quoted a couple days earlier.. I was told by the AM rep that this happens sometimes. I thought this was odd... so I did a bit of digging. All of the fees that AM charge are the same as WJ with 2 exceptions.. $25 booking fee, which we're all aware of, and a $55 NAV/INS/Fuel fee.. which is $40 more than WJ's $15 NAV fee. I asked about this, was told the $40 is for a Fuel Surcharge. I think.. hmm.. WJ doesn't have a Fuel Surcharge. So I call them up and ask if Air Miles pay them a Fuel Surcharge when they buy tickets. The WJ rep says no.. they haven't had a charge in years.. and this is just another way for AM to 'ding' you.
I've asked AM about this.. awaiting a reply.
Ron.