If I remeber correctly LH introduced a "security surcharge" of USD 8 per segment after 9/11. This goes directly to LH and not to any government/airport etc. So if you have a connecting award flight it is USD 32 for LH. So much for a free flight.
Does anyone remeber when DM 100+ in taxes for a flight to the US seemed outrageous compared to Asian destinations? Not too long ago ...