Originally Posted by
mediator
Called the US call center for a AYQ-ASP avios booking. The agent found the flight (Qantaslink operated by National Jet Systems) but quoting me a $39 fee plus service charge. I argued this booking can't be done on the BA website so he waived the telephone booking fee. I have no idea why there is an extra $30 junk fee, as SYD-MEL on BA only shows $9 fee.
AYQ-ASP has much higher taxes/fees than SYD-MEL.
AYQ-ASP has the following taxes/fees totalling US$39.40:
Code:
Australian Safety & Security Surcharge (WG) US$3.90
Australian Domestic Passenger Service Charge (QR) US$12.20
Australian Domestic Passenger Service Charge (QR) US$23.30
In comparison, SYD-MEL has lower taxes/fees totalling $9.60:
Code:
Australian Safety & Security Surcharge (WG) US$3.90
Australian Domestic Passenger Service Charge (QR) US$3.00
Australian Domestic Passenger Service Charge (QR) US$2.70
Also, the phone service charge should really be applied. It is only waived where the functionality to do something normally exists but is not working. In this case, there has never been functionality to book these flights online so the service fee should have been applied.