Why “Free” Airplane Tickets Cost So Much

Tuesday, 31 May 2011 | by Pat's Picks

How can a free airline ticket possibly cost $530? The New York Times says British Airways is among the worst offenders of a disturbing trend: the watering down of all those frequent flier miles you’ve earned. When you book a ticket, certain airlines load you up with fees and that means what you get is ‘free’ in name only. While airline have always added government surcharges and taxes, many are now tacking on fuel surcharges. The good news? US airlines have been slow arriving to the party.