Update: According to Reddit user alurker1337 who reached out to Lifemiles, it’s an error and that they will try to fix it soon. That’s Lifemiles for you! Never a dull moment.
Original post below:
Hopefully, this is just a bug, but I came across some concerning data points on Award Travel Reddit page and wanted to make our readers aware. It looks like Lifemiles program is now adding fuel surcharges to many award routes.
Here is an example for flight from JFK to Geneva, one of the “sweet” spots:
This is an economy seat. Just a few months ago, this same award only had $27 in taxes per person, not including the booking fee:
An old screenshot
What’s even more troubling is that Lifemiles program is adding YQ on United flights as well, at least on transatlantic routes:
I clicked to book the ticket, and the YQ was still there:
A bug or the new normal?
I have no idea, but we should find out soon. As far as I know, Lifemiles execs never promised that they won’t ever add fuel surcharges to award tickets. That said, the program has always been a bit of a dumpster fire, so it’s possible that the fees will be back to normal tomorrow. Or not. It is a reminder of how volatile miles can be.
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
@SR Yes, I’ve noticed that too. Agree that it’s likely a glitch. The big question is how long it will take Lifemiles IT department to fix it. Such a buggy program.
Looks like non stop flights are pricing higher taxes than one stop for the same route. Looks like glitch, saw this today on NYC-LIS non stop on TAP as well
@Luc Correct, the flight from EU to US has higher fees. In this case, the tax was really $27 plus booking fee from JFK to Geneva. I booked a flight from JFK to Brussels and paid 22k miles + $50 per person total via Lifemiles.
I’ve updated the post, btw. Someone has called Lifemiles and the agent said YQ should not be added. However, this is Lifemiles we are talking about. An update could take weeks. We’ll see what happens.
“ Just a few months ago, this same award only had $27 in taxes per person, not including the booking fee”
The price displayed by LM was not accurate, actually. The real price was actually displayed at the last step, when booking. Earlier this year I booked a flight from EU to US and the advertised price was around $27, but the real one turned out to be about $150. A quick online search confirmed this was a well known issue.
Also, how do you know it was YQ, in those reported cases? It could very well be, and, even worse, the final price may be even higher than these higher advertised prices.
@Ian P. S. A Reddit user reached out to Lifemiles and they indicated it’s an error. But who knows…
@Ian It very well could be a bug. Hard to say with Lifemiles. Im definitely glad I’m down to 7k miles with them.
I wanted to publish a short post in case it’s a permanent change and some routes haven’t been updated yet. If readers were looking to burn miles on a specific route that hasn’t been affected, this could be a powerful incentive to pull the trigger.
This better be a bug. One of the main reasons I’ve stuck with them through all their other difficulties.