Originally Posted by
aflo
UA and AC have exactly the same YQ as LHG from the USA to Europe (in fact they operate together), they just don't pass them along to any FFP. LO and SK also have significant YQ but don't pass them on as well, as the other airlines in my list. Just check the YQ on ITA Matrix for any of these airlines from the US to Europe. The only star airline that I saw that has significantly lower YQ from the US to Europe is Turkish.
You have been given the answer multiple times.
YQ is set by the operating airline on award tickets. Then the issuing airline decides if they pass on the YQ to the end flyer. UA has high YQ on revenue tickets because YQ is taxes different then base fare in North America. Revenue and reward ticket YQ are often different numbers as on reward tickets it's just a cash grab. Unlike in revenue tickets where YQ is just seen as base fare part 2.
LH group has high YQ on all award tickets except places where they are regulated. The only other way to escape them is to go via a program that doesn't pass them on. The reward ticket issuing airlines don't make up new huge fees as that makes them less attractive.