Some airlines actually apply those &#x27;free&#x27; ticket taxes as if the ticket were a full, unrestricted ticket -- which award tickets are not.<p>I&#x27;ve had good luck with United though. A miles ticket from Europe to the US generally costs me between $90-$100 in fees. Not too bad considering the same one way might cost $1000-$2000.<p>British Airways seems to operate like British airports: a constant attempt to scrape every last cent (and goodwill) from passengers.