Airline frequent flyer fee chart

Posted by George Hobica on Friday, December 18, 2009

It used to be that free frequent flyer tickets were really free. But not anymore. Not only are airlines increasing the number of miles required, but they're constantly adding new fees for issuing tickets, changing them, not using them, requesting them on short notice, and flying confirmed same day stand by.

As usual, the airline with the fewest fees in this regard is Southwest. Continental and Northwest are better than most, and, as the chart below shows, Delta among the worst.

In addition to the fees listed here, you can expect to pay taxes, passenger facility charges, and the September 11 security fee, along with other government imposed surcharges. And if you're flying internationally with a child age 2 or under, even if it's sitting in your lap, you may be hit with a charge of 10% of your fare plus even fuel surcharges, and that's even if you're traveling on a "free" ticket (on a business class ticket to Australia, that might make you think twice about flying "free").

Fees listed were accurate at time of posting but can change at any moment, and probably will. Please comment if you believe that you've found a change or inaccuracy (or just to vent) and we'll check it out.

Keep in mind, too, that depending on your frequent flyer membership level, some of these fees may not apply to you, or they may be lower than shown. Updated September 19, 2011.

Airline Program	Standard Processing fee	Phone or in person fee	"Close in" Processing fee	Redeposit/ Change fee	Confirmed same day standby	Mileage reactivation
AirTran A+ Rewards (888-898-4782)	$0	$15 otherwise	$0	$60	N/A	N/A
Alaska Mileage Plan (800-252-7522)	$25 on partner airlines only	$15 for phone reservations plus mileage required may be 5000 to 10000 higher	$0	$0 if cancelled within 3 days of booking; otherwise $100 fee applies for redeposit or change	Standby travel is not permitted on one-way award ticket itineraries. Standby travel on earlier flights is permitted on the return portion of a round-trip award ticket	$75 for one year
American AAdvantage (800-882-8880)	Up to $150 to upgrade awards on most discounted domestic fares, up to $600 for foreign routes)	$20 by phone, $30 in person	20 to 7 days prior: $50; 6 days to 2 hours: $100; waived for AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum and AAdvantage Gold	Redeposit: $150 for first ticket, $25 each for additional tickets on same account; Change: $150 (MileSAAver tickets only; no fee if only date or time is changed; waived for Platinum)	$35	$50 per 5000 miles plus $30 fee
Continental OnePass (800.621.7467)	See United, below	See United, below	See United, below	See United, below	See United, below	N/A
Delta SkyMiles (800-323-2323)	additional $25 for partner airline award	$25 $20	8-20 days prior: free; 4-7 days: free; 3 or fewer days: free	Changes: $150 if 3 or fewer days before dep; $100 4-7 days; $75 8-20 days; $0 21 days or more prior to dep; Redeposit: $150; most fees waived for Platinum members	$50 (waived for Gold/Platinum)	N/A
Frontier Early Returns (866-263-2759)	$0	$0	$0	$75	Passenger pays the difference between their original ticket and the new ticket at its price that day	$50 1 - 4,999 miles $100 5,000 - 19,999 miles $200 20,000 - 49,999 miles $300 50,000 - 99,999 miles $400 100,000 or more miles
JetBlue TrueBlue (800- 538-2583)	$0	$20 by phone	N/A	Change: $100; Redeposit fee: N/A (unused awards are forfeited)	$40	N/A

Southwest Rapid Rewards (800-435-9792)	N/A (reward sent automatically	N/A (reward sent automatically)	N/A	$0	$0 (if fare has increased, passenger must pay difference)	$50 (for awards that have been expired for fewer than 24 months)
Spirit Airlines Free Spirit	N/A (online only)	N/A (online only)	N/A (requests must be made at least 7 days prior to travel); Mileage discounts for tickets booked 21 or more days in advance of travel	Redeposit: $70; Change: $70 if more than 7 days from departure; not permitted within 7 days		N/A
United MileagePlus (800-421-4655)	Effective Jan 12, 2010 June 15, 2011, up to $50 $75 each way from most discounted fares to upgrade on domestic routes; up to $500 $600 each way on international routes	$25 by phone, $25 in person; free for Global Services and 1K effective June 11, 2011	$0; Effective June 15, 2011 $25-$75 depending on your frequent flyer status; free for Global Services and 1K effective June 11, 2011	Route change: $150 $25-$75 depending on frequent flyer status; free for Global Services and 1K; Redeposit miles: $100-$150 depending on status, free for Global Services and 1K	Domestic: $150; International $150-$250	.125 cents per mile plus $25 fee
US Airways Dividend Miles (800-428-4322)	$25-$50	$30 for domestic fares, $40 for international	$50 online, $75 otherwise	$150 domestic, $250 international	$25	$50-$400
Virgin America elevate (877.359.8474)	$0	$25	$75	Redeposit: not allowed	$75	N/A

Categories: Airline Industry News

I recently tried to book a RT flight to Italy using miles. I was able to find the award level that I was looking for, but the tickets ended up including a $653 taxes and fees charge. Really? That's enough to buy a ticket and keep the miles! I tried at different levels and dates and the same thing kept happening. What's the point of earning miles, if the price to use them is the same as buying a seat? I then tried to book the same itinerary on US Airways and their fees were only $99. Why would American Airlines cheat us like this?

by fedupwithAA on Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Just tried booking an Award ticket on Delta using SkyMiles. Their Award Calendar shows tickets available every day, but every day that I clicked on--all the way out to December--regardless of award price level, gave the message "Flights for the cities and/or dates you selected are not offered or not available. Try using our Award Calendar tool to check availability". It turns out that this failure always occurs when I've selected "View flights based on Price; to be able to book a flight, I need to "View flights based on Schedule"

by Rich on Thursday, January 19, 2012

Hey aallstar, if you're such a big fan of American Airlines, maybe you can help me navigate the bull so that I can actually use the miles. I live in Australia. You might think it's great because only US residents actually get the full benefits, not us "aliens" who earn miles, but can't use them!

by Neen on Monday, January 16, 2012

My complaint is about AAdvantage. It is easy to earn miles but impossible to use your miles when you live outside the US. They even have an office and an Australian website but it does not work. I want to use some miles for car rental in New Zealand. I keep getting conflicting information from every one I talk to in the US and Australia.

by Neen on Monday, January 16, 2012

My husband and I recently (4 wks ago) paid $200 EACH to change our departure date (one day). I tried to upgrade to first class and it wasn't to be. Have YET to make that happen. "The Early Bird gets the worm"? or Delta just doesn't want to play that way?

by Grandma Nana on Wednesday, November 09, 2011

@rapidoeddi1 - look at the chart more closely. American only charges a processing fee if you book over phone or in person. Online you just get your ticket +$5 in taxes. American is unparalled for its miles program imho

by aallstar on Thursday, September 01, 2011

So, American Airlines charges a "processing" fee, $50.00 each way, for an award ticket. Processing fee for what? I did the processing on line. I don't get it. bye bye Miss American Pie.

by rapidoeddie1 on Friday, August 26, 2011

@dalani We update this chart often.

by Airfarewatchdog on Saturday, January 01, 2011

First time to see this, how updated is this info? Fantastic help, thanks!

by dalani on Tuesday, November 09, 2010

US Airways frequent flyer scam Flying regularly with US Airways since 1993, I racked up 34000 miles. No notice that they would "expire" I didn't fly last couple of years and now I get an email that I have "forfeited" them. I called and they rudely in so many words told me to take a flying jump. When I have other options I will certainly NEVER FLY WITH THEM AGAIN. SCAMMMMMMM!

by Rod on Thursday, August 19, 2010

We should let people know that the airlines are using more and more reasons not to allow you to upgrade nor redeem your miles. UNITED has refused to do so even though I have over 40,000 miles. They did not allow me to redeem nor use them with their US air "partner" It is a scam.

by Tess on Tuesday, July 27, 2010

You show Delta charging $25.00. I only paid $10.00 which I think is their normal fee

by pepere on Sunday, May 02, 2010

I have been trying for 9+ years to have US Air honor it's Air Miles, which earned and not given to me. I accumulated 181,000 Air Miles and US Air along with City Cards refuse to permit me to use them. My wife and I had two seperate cards in each of our names. Hers was a Visa, while mine was a Master Card. Because her card had free air miles with US Air, we used it for all of our purchases, which turned out to be a big mistake. She died 11 years ago and although I was her only Beneficiary, I was awarded her entire Estate. When I attempted to have the Air Miles on her US Air/Visa transfered to me, I was told it couldn't be done. Latter I found out this was not the case, but still didnot have the use of the Air Miles. At this point I have no longer used any credit card, which offers any incentives. I have learned this is many times an advertising ploy and scam. Beijing Tour (http://www.chinawonderfultour.com/)

by jimmy on Friday, February 26, 2010

We have used a cash back Visa card for several years with good results. We do not fly so miles are out anyway. Our cash use is restricted since it is through State Farm Insurance Company, but that is OK because our insurance, six policies, are through SF and the cash cak, as much as 1.5% on all purchases, is applicable tpo that billing. Very nice, I think.

by illogical74 on Saturday, January 30, 2010

by jmmy123 on Sunday, December 27, 2009

The problem is that frequent flyer miles have become an alternate currency, but the airlines control all aspects of the valuation. www.awardtravelguide.com

by Award Travel Guide on Sunday, December 20, 2009

Airlines are generating a huge amount of animosity with the traveling public. They have the only game in town right now but so did the American auto industry in the 50's, 60's and 70's when they chose to ignore their customers with bad product/bad service. It took awhile but they suffered the consequences; lost market share/ bankruptcy etc.If I do international travel it will not be on a US airline.

by Bobo on Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Just a friendly reminder to keep the posts coming for all your airline and travel thoughts!! The political, medical and cognitive posts could be appreciated better on other blogs that carry those themes. Thanks!

by on Saturday, June 27, 2009

On the subject of FF programs and fees, wonder why NWA/Delta forced its FF members to switch to an American Express card? AmEx has higher membership fees, likely charges most merchants a higher discount fee (which is why many merchants refuse AmEx--thus the card is not as widely accepted as VISA or MC--my car repair shop refused my AmEx last week), and in the fine print in the new Delta Gold AmEx card's terms and conditions it essentially says for foreign transactions AmEx will charge its cardholders the HIGHEST exchange rate it can find (versus a low interbank exchange rate it has access to) and THEN tack on an ADDITIONAL 2.7% surcharge. What was the airline thinking in switching to AmEx? Surely more profits for Delta and AmEx but at the same time putting a stick in the eye of its frequent flyers. Wonder why NWA/Delta didn't negotiate a better deal for its frequent flyers from AmEx and/or use a more widely accepted card? What were they thinking?

by FinePrintReader on Monday, June 08, 2009

by Bobo on Wednesday, August 26, 2009

I just tried to book 2 Business Class tickets to Italy on BA the Freq. Flyer program. They had an incredible special that lasted about 5 days where you could get 2 tix for the mileage points of one. Fantastic! I booked them after a lot of time shifting dates and times. Terrific. Then they wanted to charge my credit card over $1000 for the "fees and surcharges" for the 2 FREE tickets. That is absolutely outrageous! The airlines should be exposed for the myths they have created about rewarding loyal clients with so-called bonuses and incentives. Of course, I can't go on my trip to Italy.

by on Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Can you add Air Canada to your fee charts? I would like to compare them to Alaska Airlines for my travel plans. Thanks!

by desktraveler on Friday, September 19, 2008

I am beginning to hate US Air. One can get a round trip ticket from BOS to AVL for $205. Try tto use you miles and it costs more.

by Skykpilot on Friday, December 12, 2008

tried booking with AA on the earliest date possible for Feb. 2010 using Awards travel, what a surprise not avail., same as last year. any suggestions who to contact

by malduke on Sunday, April 05, 2009

Sadly, they all do it! All airlines charge you a penny or thereabouts to "gift" your miles to someone else. (not to mention a "handling" fee, normally about $30) But this could make you feel a little better. Say your relative has an extra 5000 miles in his/her account they can't use and that's exactly the amount of miles you need to claim an award. On AA, for example, it costs about $80 to purchase the miles. A typical flight from east coast to west coast earning you about 5000 miles on a non-stop usually costs about $400..or if you frequent this site under $200......think of it as paying a mere $80 for a round trip from JFK to LAX then it's not so bad.

by on Saturday, April 25, 2009

NWA wants to charge me .01/mile I give away to another frequent flier. That's over $225 to GIVE AWAY 20,000 frequent flier miles. If I use those same miles to book an award ticket for that same person, they only charge a $5 processing fee and award the person the miles acrued on the flight they will take. Does this make any sense other than a fee generator to NWA. What a blatant attempt at a ripoff of loyal customers.

by MrSafetyToo on Friday, April 24, 2009

I am very upset about the airlines putting restrictions and/or charging for frequent flyer miles. This is ridiculous! After all, it is supposed to be FREE! I think we should boycott the airlines that do any of these things...since there are so many out there that don't do that. Let's fly with those airlines that are trying to get out business instead of punish us for flying with them.

by Wanda Voorhees on Sunday, September 14, 2008

i paid a $10 fee for my united mileage plus rewards ticket earlier this year. i can't imagine the fee has gone down since then...

by tm on Sunday, September 14, 2008

A couple of days ago, I saw that American had lowered the fares for 3 upcoming tickets that I previously purchased. One was almost $200 lower and the others about $150 each. In the past AA would issue a travel voucher for the difference. Now there is a $150 change fee to get each voucher! Yikes - no change except in their price - they caused the change! Needless to say I am not happy. My elite status means nothing and I am about to say forget staying with AA! The AA employee on the phone said - "we're just trying to stay in business." Well honey - you better hope we keep flying on your airline!

by Lynn on Monday, September 15, 2008

I think these charges are just plain outrageous! They want you to fly their airlines, charge you all kinds of service fees, fuel charges, baggage fess etc and now because you chose their airline, you have to pay to use the miles you paid for and earned! What's the point!

by Carolyn on Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Lots of luck trying to find a 25000 mile roundtrip on Continental. A real ripoff.
Few and far apart. They want to charge 50000. Beware of them. If I can find a trip I will end my association with them..

by Starbuck777 on Friday, August 01, 2008

FYI: On American: Say you booked 2 award tix from your AA account. Your traveling companion will NOT get his AA account date updated for deferred mileage expiration status. Only the one booking the award seats will get his mileage date adjusted. Now, that's a bit sneaky...............

by on Friday, September 12, 2008

I just had to pay a mandatory $50 in fees just to cash in my $99 companion ticket because there is no way to do it online. I only saved $74 on a round-trip ticket from RDU to LGA on a $250 flight (taxes, fees inclusive). Add $99 to $250 and you get $349. Taxes and fees on the $99 flight: $28. (Running total: $377.) Add on to that the $25 standard processing fee and the in-person/on-phone fee of $25 because there is NO WAY TO CASH IN ONLINE. Cost for two round-trip tickets: Around $427.

by Valerie on Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Re:UAL Mileage tickets, people should also know that those ticket from before May 15, 2008, fall under the old guidelines, at least for the first change.

by Sis on Monday, July 07, 2008

You can update the United charges. You cannot search and book partner reward travel using United's on line reward tool. You must call. So you incur the $25.00 charge for speaking to a human. I just booked on US Airways and had to pay.

by Michael Baker on Monday, July 07, 2008

Continental is raising their fees as of August 17th Confirmed and ticketed prior to departure Fee Per Transaction
One pass Plat elite
Travel 21 days or beyond $0 $0
Travel 15 to 20 days $75 $0
Travel within 4 to 14 days $75 $35
Travel 3 days or less $75 $50

by Fanny Farkas on Friday, July 25, 2008

Although I am a frequent flyer with about 35 domestic business flights a year, this is why I rack up most of my "miles" toward free vacation travel by using my Capital One cc. The airlines' mileage programs, with the possible exception of SWA's Rapid Rewards, are practically useless unless you're in a position to plan nearly a year in advance and, due to business obligations, we are not able to do that. Of course, these days being "rewarded" for brand loyalty by exposing yourself to more hassles is a dubious honor.

by Jennene Colky on Wednesday, July 09, 2008

I think that American does not charge a change fee if you keep the same date and carier

by ed rab on Friday, July 25, 2008

For late June travel, a "free" award round trip in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic from JFK to LHR cost US$453.89: the Fare was USD .00, however with "Taxes/Fees/Charges/Surcharges YQ242.00 GB157.29 XT54.60" the Total charges = USD 453.89!!

by Atlantic-traveller on Monday, July 07, 2008

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