Fuel Surcharge: Why it's sometimes more expensive than the ticket itself

Planning your long-awaited vacation in 2026, you've probably noticed that airfare prices have become less predictable. You find an attractive offer, but at the payment stage, the amount suddenly increases, and a significant line "YQ" appears on the receipt. This is the fuel surcharge – a ticket component that is breaking all discussion records this season.

If you decide to buy tickets to Gorno-Altaysk on Kupi.com or book tickets to Kaliningrad on Kupi.com, the final price will largely depend on this surcharge. Let's take a detailed look at how flight economics work, why the surcharge is so high, and how not to lose this money if your plans suddenly change.

What's happening with surcharges in 2026?

The fuel surcharge (designated by YQ or YR codes in international classification) is not a state tax or a fixed duty. It is an additional payment set by the airline itself to hedge against sharp fluctuations in aviation kerosene prices.

In 2026, due to high volatility in the energy market, many carriers have updated their fare structures. The surcharge is now recalculated much more frequently than before. Sometimes a paradox occurs: the fare itself (the net price for your seat on the plane) might be only 1,500 rubles, while the fuel surcharge reaches 10,000 rubles or more.

Why does the surcharge amount seem inadequate?

• Marketing strategy. It is advantageous for airlines to display a low base price ("fare") in search results to rank high in search aggregators. They include the main portion of operational costs in the surcharges section.

• Flight duration and aircraft type. The older the aircraft model and the longer the flight, the more fuel is consumed. On long-haul flights, fuel can account for up to 40% of all flight costs.

• Risk hedging. Airlines often purchase fuel in advance through fixed contracts. If they entered into a deal at a high price, and the market value of oil suddenly dropped, they will be forced to maintain a high surcharge to cover their losses.

Can the fuel surcharge be refunded upon cancellation?

The question of refunding the "fuel surcharge" is one of the most frequent causes of disputes between passengers and airlines. Here, it's important to distinguish between the reason for the refund and your fare conditions. Given the changes in transportation rules for 2026, the situation is as follows:

Involuntary Refund

If your flight was disrupted through no fault of your own, the law is entirely on your side. You are entitled to a refund of the full ticket price, including all surcharges without exception. Involuntary cases include:

• Cancellation or significant delay of a flight due to airline fault.

• Change of flight route by the carrier.

• Your sudden illness or the illness/death of a family member traveling with you (with medical certificates of the established form).

• Official visa denial (if provided for by the rules of the specific airline).

Voluntary Refund (Refundable Fare)

If you purchased a ticket with a flexible fare and decide not to fly, the fuel surcharge is usually refunded along with the fare. However, keep in mind that the airline may withhold a fixed penalty for the refund operation or a service fee. In 2026, such penalties for some carriers have become progressive: the closer the departure date, the higher the amount withheld.

Voluntary Refund (Non-refundable Fare)

This is the most complex and unpleasant situation. According to Article 108 of the Air Code of the Russian Federation, if you purchased a non-refundable ticket, the airline has the right to keep the entire "carriage fee" upon voluntary cancellation of the flight.

Important nuance: in Russian law, the fuel surcharge is legally equated to a part of the fare. Therefore, in 99% of cases, when returning a non-refundable ticket, the YQ surcharge will not be refunded to you.

Nevertheless, you can still claim a refund for unused airport fees and government taxes (if they are not marked as non-refundable in the rules). The amounts are usually small, but this is your rightful money.

How to check conditions before purchasing?

To avoid a situation where canceling an 18,000 ruble ticket only gets you a 500 ruble refund, follow these rules:

1. Always read the "Fare Rules" before entering your card details. Look for the YQ surcharge clause. If it's marked Non-refundable, then these funds will be "lost" if you cancel.

2. Compare the final price in the cart. Low-cost carriers often win on fare price but lose to traditional airlines on the total amount of surcharges and additional services.

3. Use miles cautiously. Remember that when purchasing a ticket with miles, you still pay the fuel surcharge with real money. Sometimes the surcharge amount is so high that spending accumulated miles on that particular flight becomes simply unprofitable.

In 2026, the fuel surcharge has become an even more dynamic tool. Prices can change weekly following currency exchange rates. If you see a price that suits you – book immediately. Have a good flight and only pleasant prices!