Delta Air Lines said Friday that it plans to begin charging a fuel surcharge of as much as $50 for booking frequent-flier tickets through its awards program.
Delta is not the first carrier to charge a fee for previously free tickets, but it is specifically attributing the step to the soaring cost of jet fuel.
The fee takes effect on tickets booked on or after Aug. 15. Delta will charge a $25 fuel surcharge on tickets booked for trips within the United States, and $50 on tickets booked for travel elsewhere.
Jeff Robertson, managing director of Delta's SkyMiles program, called the step "difficult but essential." He also said Delta would introduce a "new, multitiered award program" in the next 60 days, but gave no details. Industry analysts have predicted that airlines might increase the number of miles required for frequent-flier tickets.
NEW YORK TIMES
