something on fuel surcharges and airlines

 

Price breakdown

PassengerFareTaxes, fees, charges and surcharges per personTotal price*
1 Adult£ 55.00£ 320.73View taxes, fees and surcharges£ 375.73

British Airways

Charges applied to a flight London to New York return (Jan 2012)

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/fx/public/en_gb?eId=111082
There are certain taxes, fees and charges that are applied to your booking by British Airways, airport operators, governments or other authorities. Here you will find a full breakdown and explanation of the taxes, fees and surcharges applied to your booking.

Government, authority and airport chargesPer adult
Air Passenger Duty – United Kingdom
GBP
60.00
Passenger Service Charge – United Kingdom
GBP
30.63
Customs User Fee – USA
GBP
3.50
Transportation Tax(Departure) – USA
GBP
10.70
Transportation Tax(Arrival) – USA
GBP
10.70
Animal & Plant Health User Fee (Aphis) – USA
GBP
3.20
Immigration User Fee – USA
GBP
4.50
Passenger Civil Aviation Security Service Fee – USA
GBP
1.60
Passenger Facility Charge
GBP
2.90
Total government, authority and airport charges*
GBP
127.73
More information
British Airways fees and surchargesPer adult
Fuel Surcharge
GBP
183.00  = US  $ 283
Insurance and Security Surcharge
GBP
10.00
Total British Airways fees and surcharges
GBP
193.00
More information

Fuel Surcharge
British Airways applies a fuel surcharge on all flights to reflect the fluctuating price of worldwide oil.

The surcharge is based on flight duration and applies to all passengers, including children and infants travelling on British Airways operated international and domestic services.

BA  Total taxes, fees and surcharges per person            GBP 320.73


American Airlines. About $2000 one person to fly return London to New York  (Jan 2012)

Virgin Atlantic 
Fare  £1,389.00 each
Taxes, fees and surcharges £ 378.73

Total £ 1,767.73  = $2748 return
https://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/bookflightsandmore/bookflights/step3.jsp