US Airways announced today that it will add a 5% “surcharge” onto all U.S. flights on or after May 8. They try to bamboozle us as they claim the “surcharge” will protect the airline in case fuel prices rise or other costs increase. But, my understanding has always been that the airlines buy fuel ahead of time and speculate on fuel cost changes so buy ahead at lower rates. This is why Southwest had such low rates during the original heavy fuel crunch as they bought on future prices that were crazy low while the rest waited and got stuck with prices 5 times higher.

So, “in case” they do not go up, will you refund everyone?

It was also announced that United, Delta and Northwest have bumped up their surcharge $10 each way on some busy days next March.