On a recent search for a fare from Washington Dulles to London on Virgin Atlantic, passengers would have been thrilled to see how deeply discounted the winter fares are this year.
The example below is to demonstrate the absurdity of taxes and fees:
01MAR DEPARTURE DATE-----LAST DAY TO PURCHASE 23FEB/2359
BASE FARE TAXES TOTAL
1- USD130.00 482.10XT USD612.10ADT
XT 292.00YQ 32.60US 5.50YC 7.00XY
5.00XA 2.50AY 96.20GB 36.80UB
4.50XF
130.00 482.10 612.10TTL
ADT-01 OLXSLE
WAS VS LON65.00OLXSLE VS WAS65.00OLXSLE NUC130.00END ROE1.00
XFIAD4.5
NONEND/PENALTY APPLIES
VALIDATING CARRIER - VS
For an itinerary leaving Dulles on March 1 and returning on March 8, the fare that Virgin charges is $130...yes, you are reading this correctly...$130! Then the fun begins...Take a look at all these obscure codes that you will see on your e-ticket...each one will jack up the cost of your fare to the final cost of $612.10. While this is still a very good deal, it may explain how some airlines lose money and how your taxes and fees are charged.
For those who like to explore the labyrinth of the tax, and fee system, here's enough for you to feast on:
YQ = Fuel Surchage fee
XA = APHIS User Fee
XF = Passenger Facility Charge
US = Transportation Tax
AY = Passenger Civil Aviation Security Service Fee
YC = Customs User Fee
GB = Air Passenger Duty (APD) Fee
XY = Immigration User Fee
UB = Passenger Service Charge
XT = The aggregate total of all taxes, surcharges and fees
So next time you see a "promotion" for a $130 to London, hold on to your hat as the airline, airport authorities, FAA, TSA, Immigration and Customs, and Uncle Sam will all have their palms extended to lighten up your wallet...
www.premieretravel.com
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