Classic vs. ClassicPlus... why the difference in taxes/fees
 

we were so excited to find the direct flight to Florida cost only 25000 points each, kids been pounding us to go Disney World for the longest time... but was surprised to see cost of $661 for taxes fees and surcharges.... what puzzled us was that if we were to redeem 152000 points for 4 or 38000 each ClassicPlus tickets for the exact same flights, the taxes, fees and surcharges will only comes to $371.... why the difference? don't these charges should be the same no matter what class of reward you are redeeming? we search high and low on the website, there was no explaination or breakdown of these charges whatsoever.... just really frustrated!!! so do i pay the extra $290 or use the extra 52000 points??!! it took us long long long time to accumulate those points...

DEPARTING
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) To Orlando (MCO)
Departs: 20:55
Arrives: 23:36
Stops: 0
Thu Aug 19, 2010
Flight#: AC922Economy
Total travel time: 2h 41min

RETURNING
Orlando (MCO) To Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
Departs: 07:45
Arrives: 10:31
Stops: 0
Wed Sep 1, 2010
Same day
Duration: 2h 46min
Flight#: AC923Economy
Total travel time: 2h 46min

Aeroplan Miles Required
75 000
3 Adults - ClassicFlight Reward - Economy
25 000
1 Child - ClassicFlight Reward - Economy
100 000
Total Aeroplan Miles Required
Review fees and taxes
Air rewards are subject to fees and surcharges to which taxes apply. The following are applicable to your flights:
Delivery Fees(Electronic Ticket)
$0.00
Review airport taxes and surcharges
Air rewards are subject to airport taxes and surcharges. The following are applicable to your flights:
Airport taxes, charges and fees - adults
$495.96
Airport taxes, charges and fees - children
$165.32
Total airport taxes, fees and surcharges (CAD)
$661.28


DEPARTING
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) To Orlando (MCO)
Departs: 20:55
Arrives: 23:36
Stops: 0
Thu Aug 19, 2010
Flight#: AC922Economy
Total travel time: 2h 41min

RETURNING
Orlando (MCO) To Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
Departs: 07:45
Arrives: 10:31
Stops: 0
Wed Sep 1, 2010
Flight#: AC923Economy
Total travel time: 2h 46min

Aeroplan Miles Required
114 000
3 Adults - ClassicPlus Flight Reward - Economy
38 000
1 Child - ClassicPlus Flight Reward - Economy
152 000
Total Aeroplan Miles Required


Review airport taxes and surcharges
Air rewards are subject to airport taxes and surcharges. The following are applicable to your flights:
Airport taxes, charges and fees - adults
$278.58
Airport taxes, charges and fees - children
$92.86
Total airport taxes, fees and surcharges (CAD)
$371.44

This is the fraud that is incentive programmes. They are in effect selling you tickets and but attempting to mislead you into thinking that you are getting them for free. Airline mileage programmes are designed to encourage business traffic. They have no real interest in building the loyalty of occassional travellers who take years to accumulate enough miles for an award. They are, essentially, a con.

The difference is in how they assess the fuel surcharges. Your Classic award is based on the premise of 'Zero' fare so the fuel surcharge is a set fee based on award and distance. The Classic Plus is based on 'Available fare'... what every is available on aircanada.com for a cost is converted to your award level - the fuel surcharge is set by the fare. So the trick is - check for point travel when ever there is a seat sale- you may find the right balance. I'm not condoning the practice but there is your answer in laymans terms. As with any business its all about liability and burning off your points.

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