Originally Posted by
xliioper
OP is looking at a roundtrip award, not one-way. Note that there is both US departure and arrival taxes on trip (indicating roundtrip booking). As far as "correct" carrier surcharge, there is nothing that binds carrier surcharge rates on revenue fares to the BA surcharge rates on AS award ticket bookings. In this case, BA is charging $270 each way on coach awards (vs. $200 each-way on coach revenue fares). While it doesn't seem fair, it's just the way it is. The only real solution is to avoid BA metal flights.
Note that ordinarily on awards without carrier surcharges, the $21 US departure/arrival taxes are waived by US because the awards are considered so-called "zero fare" tickets (due to an IRS ruling). However, the BA surcharges means the awards are no longer considered zero fare tickets which triggers the $21 US arrival/departure taxes on award. Another reason to avoid awards on BA metal.
Thanks for the clarification. I missed that it was a return ticket. 65K miles triggered a one-way J award.
For September 9th-16th AS is marketing AS/AA SFO-SEA-LHR return. Base fare is $271, YQ is $400. With all fees & taxes included, the outlay is $936.95 return. It earns 10,956 EQM/RDM + any Elite bonus as RDM.
I believe avoiding BA metal flights is the best option. This itinerary for a 75K or 100K Elite would generate enough RDM for another one-way SFO-LHR, off-season award + $19. Even if you don't have AS Elite Status, usiing 65K MP miles + ~$800 seems to be such a waste in my opinion.
SFO-SEA-LHR return September 9th-16th. AS marketed.
James