Qantas Airways increasing fuel surcharges from mid-August

Qantas Airways recently announced it will be increasing the fuel surcharges on both domestic and international flights. The hike will be from mid-August this year.

The airline however cautioned its passengers saying that cheap airfares will still be within their reach if fares are ticketed before mid-August. Qantas Airways was until now charging a flat fuel fee irrespective of the seat class. However, the new pricing structure would bring the airline at par with its Middle East partner Emirates Airline.

According to the new pricing policy, domestic base fares would increase between 2 and 3 percent. On some international routes, the airline intends to increase the base fares instead of fuel surcharges.

The airline will increase fuel surcharge on flights to the U.S. to $328 (AU$365) one way for Economy Class and Premium Economy Class, while for Business Class it will be increased to $350 (AU$390) one way. The fuel surcharges increase will be through all sectors, including United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, South America and Asia.

Qantas Airways said that international bookings ticketed on or prior to August 13, 2013 would escape from fuel surcharge hike, while domestic bookings ticketed before August 14 would be spared from the hike.