Air France not alone in fuel charge hikes

Air France recently announced that it would be increasing the price of its fuel surcharge. The new rates will apply on each segment of any flight originating in France, including all domestic, short-haul and medium-haul flights.

The carrier claims that the increased prices are necessary because of the rising cost of fuel.

Domestic flights will see a fuel surcharge increase by €2, medium-haul by €4 and long-haul by €10.

The airline was quick to reassure consumers that half of the increases would be abolished when the price of a barrel of oil reaches $110 and that the entire charge would be taken off the price of flights when oil stabilized at $105 a barrel.

Air France is not the only airline dealing with high fuel costs. Northwest Airlines announced fuel surcharge increases in early May, charging American passengers and additional $10 for domestic flights, or a total of $65 of fuel surcharges on each flight.

Delta, United, American and Continental have all increased their charges in the face of brutally high fuel costs.

In Canada, airlines have not been immune either. WestJet started increasing their fuel charges on May 13th. The budget airline raised their short-haul ticket prices by $20. Medium-haul flights will be subject to a $30 charge and long-haul flights an additional $40.

www.airfrance.co.uk