This morning I wrote about British Airways’ increase in fuel surcharges, especially for first class awards and a trick that saves hundreds of dollars.

Reader Robert G. points out to me that while British Airways has increased the surcharges on award tickets Alaska Airlines is not (yet?) passing along those higher fees. He shares the total first class taxes and fees for Washington Dulles – Dubai (while noting “Not an award I’d make unless it’s an emergency anyway” because it’s still so much money).

So I had a look at the difference in what’s charged for the exact same British Airways itinerary by American AAdvantage and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. Specifically I looked at Washington Dulles – London Heathrow roundtrip since that’s the example I gave this morning — while noting that as always you save on fuel surcharges by booking two one ways instead of a roundtrip since fuel surcharges are lower departing Europe than departing the U.S.

American Airlines is passing along $1832 in taxes and fees, which is correct based on current fare construction for a paid British Airways ticket.

Alaska Airlines though is passing on $1453.

That’s still an insane amount of money for an award ticket but it seemed worth noting that Alaska Airlines is requiring about $380 less than American for the same British Airways itinerary. That will be useful information for some.