I have already blogged about US Airways leaving Star Alliance and joining OneWorld.  This means that awards to certain destinations popular with eco-tourists now have to be booked with British Airways as they are the only OneWorld partner flying there.  Typical routes affected would be:

• Europe to Central/South America  (you can use Iberia or LAN on some of these)
• North America/Europe to Africa
• Europe to Asia or Australia

British Airways adds exorbitant fuel surcharges to its awards.  Up to now there has been a glitch in which the YQ fuel surcharge has not been added.  Just this morning, a major US-based blogger (TPG) who is monitored by the airlines blogged about the glitch.   It is now just a matter of time that US Airways will shut it down and start adding YQ charges.  If you are planning an award that involves British Airways, NOW is the time to book it!  Here is an example of what it looks like:

Search on Chicago to Johannesburg

The fuel surcharge on this ticket is highlighted in yellow.

.

Currently US Airways is not charging this YQ tax.  You still have to pay the gov’t taxes regardless of how you buy the ticket.

If you want to go to South Africa and need to use British Airways, you can currently save the $500 – that buys a few days of safaris!  Once the glitch is fixed, which most people think will happen within a day or two, you will have to pay the $500 even when redeeming an award.

Bottom line:  If your dream award using US Dividend Miles involves British Airways, book now, don’t delay!