Hi all, made a booking on HKG-HND on JL J using QR Avios. I was charged 1100HKD (=141USD) coded as YQAC Carrier Imposed International Surcharge.

My understanding is that YQ is collected on behalf of (and remitted to) the operating carrier. In this case, JL's YQ for Japan~East Asia for the current quarter is 55USD (=431HKD). ITA Matrix on a cash booking for the same flight shows YQ of 431HKD exactly. British Airways and Cathay both show redemption availability for the same flight, both breaking down YQ to 431HKD.

I called QR to ask and after being put on hold for half an hour I was told that they add their own 'award service fee' to the YQ line item. Incidentally, there is a service fee line in my receipt, showing zero. It doesn't make any sense to me, but am I wasting my time pursuing this?