While declaring that the fuel surcharge is “under constant review”, BA was not willing to say what price oil would need to fall to before it would reduce the surchage. In fact,
it would not confirm that it intended ever to reduce the fee. When asked why fuel is not included in the price of a ticket — as with buses, trains, ferries and taxis — BA said that the charge is “the most efficient way of recouping the cost”.
As of this Monday, a BA flight to New York in November will, according to the company’s website, carry a headline passenger fare of £248, but additional taxes, fees and surcharges now total £112.50, giving a final bill of £360.50. Virgin Atlantic fares carry surcharges of £96.60, leading to a final online price in November of £339.60.
BA’s chief short-haul competitor, Ryanair, has pledged never to introduce fuel charges, accusing BA of “gouging its passengers” and claiming that BA’s fuel charges are now higher than many of Ryanair’s total fares.
Ryanair is not itself above billing extra fees, however.
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It adds a “passenger service charge” and a “wheelchair levy” on top of usual taxes.
On the Gatwick-Dublin route, BA’s fees total £42.50, while Ryanair’s clock in at £28.27.