Originally Posted by eamus
I am surprised by this, or perhaps misunderstanding. There is a non-avoidable A$25 fee associated with the ETA [ ... ]
Not long ago I called QF to see if they could arrange an ETA for my wife. They said they would arrange it for US$35, but pointed out I could do it myself for A$25 on the website linked above. As the agent said, the difference between the cost to me (US$35) and the cost to them (A$25) is a service charge.
This is a con job and Qantas lied to you.
There is no fee whatsoever for an ETA. Some of the organisations which issue them, including the Australian Government itself, charge a service fee.
Originally Posted by www.eta.immi.gov.au FAQs
17. How much does this service cost ?
The service charge for short-term visitors (business and tourist) using this site is currently $20.00 (Australian dollars). If you obtain your Visitor or Short Validity Business ETA from an Australian visa office, you will incur no charges. The additional costs associated with offering this service on the Internet are being offset by the current service charge. Travel agents may impose a processing fee for obtaining an ETA on your behalf.
(highlighting is mine)
Personally, I'd include this cost as part of the cost of travel. An airline (or travel agent -- whichever you book through) which chooses to cover its labour costs this way is, in effect, simply charging more for its tickets.