At one time, it was an enjoyable experience -- redeeming air miles (also known as frequent flier miles) for a free ticket brought satisfaction for the traveler and ensured brand loyalty for the airlines. In short, everyone was happy.
Now many carriers are charging air miles fees for that privilege. They cite the stress of added security, higher fuel charges and mounting economic losses as reasons these new fees are needed. So much for years of brand loyalty that reaped these companies past benefits.
Not all of the changes involve fees. Airlines are changing the rules and in some cases doubling the number of miles needed for a given trip.
Don't look for this to be a temporary trend. It's likely to be with us as airlines continue to struggle. If you haven't redeemed miles for rewards in a while, some of these might come as a surprise.
What follows are links to reward fees for several major airlines with respect to redeeming air miles. Sometimes this information is buried on an airline Web site, and the fees are not disclosed until it's time to redeem miles.
One note: every attempt will be made to keep the information current, but recognize that the airlines make changes with little notice or fanfare. Follow the links for the most updated information.
Air Canada
Aeroplan is Air Canada's rewards platform. The booking fee is $30 CAN per ticket.
American
An "award processing fee" of $5 exists for tickets purchased more than 21 days in advance online and $20 when booking through a reservations agent; if less than 21 days, the fees go up to $50 (7-20 days) and $100 (6 days - 2 hours). Using miles to upgrade from economy incurs fees of between $50-$350.
British Airways
Executive Club reward fees vary widely depending upon destination. Most are between $20-$40 USD. All fees are waived when the reward ticket is booked online.
Cathay Pacific
Asia Miles members pay a variety of fees for changes in issued tickets, but as of September 2008 there were no processing or award fees listed.
Continental
For OnePass redemptions involving travel in less than 21 days, there is a $75 fee.
Delta
There is a $25 USD surcharge Sky Miles redeemed for domestic flights and $50 surcharge for international redemptions.
Northwest
World Perks redemptions cost $25 for U.S. tickets, $50 for trans-Atlantic flights and $75 for trans-Pacific trips.
United
Mileage Plus now requires "handling fees" for rewards booked on the phone ($25 USD) and at the counter ($30 USD). The fee is waived for rewards that are redeemed online. Changes in city or connection point incur a $150 fee.
US Airways
There is an "award processing fee" for Dividend Miles: $25 for flights within the U.S. and Canada, $35 for flights to Mexico and the Caribbean and $50 for Hawaii and all other destinations. In addition, if you don't book online, there is a "award ticketing fee" of $30-$40.
