The Surcharge Trap: When a Cheap Award Isn't

The points price is only part of an award fare's cost. Taxes, fees, and carrier-imposed surcharges can change how appealing a booking looks once you review the total.

The examples below were found on the same day, as of 18 September 2026, and show how widely the cash component can vary.

The same program can produce very different totals

New York to London was priced at 45,000 points through Alaska Atmos, along with a four-figure surcharge.

Los Angeles to Paris, booked through the same airline program, was priced at 70,000 points with a negligible surcharge. The Paris fare required more points but much less cash, illustrating why the points price alone does not provide a complete comparison.

The operating airline can affect the surcharge

Both examples came from the same airline program, but different operating airlines can apply different carrier-imposed charges. Those charges may then appear when another program sells the flight.

Checking the operating airline and the full cash component can therefore be more useful than comparing award chart prices alone.

Review the cash component carefully

When a transatlantic fare has an appealing points price, review its taxes, fees, and surcharges before transferring. A higher cash component may still work for your trip, but it should be part of the decision from the beginning.

Our guide to award flights to Europe compares six fares found on the same day, with surcharges ranging from almost nothing to four figures.

Compare the complete cost before transferring

Check both points and cash before moving any points. If the surcharge is large, compare other airline programs that sell the same flight, since their charges may differ. Flying to London on points shows how this comparison can work for one destination.

Because transfers are one-way, complete this check while your points are still in the bank program.