Indigo, Air India, Akasa introduce fuel surcharge: Tips to book affordable flights
A fuel surcharge is an extra fee added to a flight ticket when airline fuel prices rise sharply, to cover fuel costs.
A fuel surcharge is an extra fee added to a flight ticket when airline fuel prices rise sharply, to cover fuel costs.
A fuel surcharge is an extra fee added to a flight ticket when airline fuel prices rise sharply, to cover fuel costs.
Due to the sharp increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices caused by the West Asia crisis, various airlines are adding a new fuel surcharge to their international and domestic flight ticket prices. Air India, Indigo and Akasa Air have announced they have added the surcharges to their tickets. Indigo charges an extra of ₹425 to ₹ 2,300 per ticket based on the route, while Air India charges an extra of ₹399 for domestic flights and $10 to $ 30 or higher on international routes. Akasa Air charges between ₹199 and ₹1,300 extra on their tickets.
What can flyers do to book cheap tickets?
1) Many travel experts recommend booking tickets at the earliest before fares hike further. Don't wait for last-minute deals.
2) Compare the surcharge rates of various airlines to see what's cheaper.
3) If you have credit card or frequent flyer miles points, this is the best time to use them.
4)Consider flexible travel dates.
5)Not all airlines, like SpiceJet, have implemented it yet. Check whether they operate flights on the route you want.
What is a fuel surcharge?
It's an extra fee attached to a flight ticket when airline fuel prices rise sharply, to cover the fuel cost. If fuel prices stay high for a long time, more airlines will join the bandwagon.
Why are aviation turbine fuel prices increasing?
The conflict in West Asia has disrupted oil exports. Major producers like Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait are forced to cut output as shipments aren't happening as before. Crude oil price fluctuations have also affected jet fuel costs.
Are international airlines adding fuel surcharge on flight tickets?
Cathay Pacific has announced plans to increase its passenger fuel surcharge on long-haul flights to HK$1, effective March 18. This is double the current price. Similarly, AirAsia, Thai Airways, Hong Kong Airlines, Qantas and more have said they are increasing fares due to the developments.