Originally Posted by guv1976

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)



Nicci, I believe that BA is in error here, and suggest that you re-read the OP.

The redemptions being complained about are those wholly within North America on AA, for which no fuel surcharges are assessed by BA. The OP notes that BA's joint-business-venture partner AA does not collect these taxes on the same redemptions made with AAdvantage miles (something that BA can easily verify). I suppose that it's possible that BA has a better understanding of U.S. tax laws than AA does, but that does not seem very likely.

Unless BA can provide a better justification for collecting these taxes on these particular redemptions, the OP might wish to consider filing a complaint with the appropriate U.S. regulatory agency, i.e., the Department of Transportation and/or the Federal Trade Commission. A letter to Condé Nast Traveler's Ombudsman might also result in more light being shed on this practice.