Breaking it out separately and pointing out that the expense is incurred because of rising fuel costs is a way to "try to get more customer empathy for the cost pressures" airlines are facing, he says.

"With a price-sensitive good, like air travel, you have to go the extra mile to connect with the customer," Heimlich says.

In addition, those surcharges "cover a fraction of the extra fuel costs," he says, noting that passenger airlines spent $11 billion on fuel in 2002 and $31.8 billion in 2006.

Air travel fee 411

Here are some air travel fees and taxes you'll likely encounter while paying for your next flight: • Domestic passenger ticket tax. A 7.5 percent tax on the price of airfare. (This goes into the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to maintain the air transit system.) • Segment tax. A $3.40 fee for each takeoff and landing. Change planes and you'll pay twice. (This goes into the trust fund.) • Rural airport tax. A 7.5 percent tax on the price of the ticket if you fly into or from a regional airport. You'll pay either this or the domestic passenger ticket tax, depending on whether you're flying through a major or rural airport. (This goes into the trust fund.) • Passenger facility charge. Up to $4.50 (varies by airport) each time you use a different airport. Can be charged up to twice one way. (This goes to the airports to offset maintenance and expansion.) • Flights to and from Alaska or Hawaii. $15 for a round-trip flight between the United States or Canada and either Alaska or Hawaii. (This goes into the trust fund.) • International departure tax: $15.10 to leave the United States for a foreign destination, but only if you're not paying the domestic passenger ticket tax. (This goes into the trust fund.) • International arrival tax, $15.10 to arrive in the United States from a foreign destination, but only if you're not paying the domestic passenger ticket tax. (This goes into the trust fund.) • Customs user fee (if arriving from outside the United States). $5.50. (This is set by the Department of Homeland Security.) • Immigration user fee (if arriving from outside the United States). $7. (This is set by the Department of Homeland Security.) • Security fee. $2.50, up to $5 one-way. (This is set by the Department of Homeland Security.) • APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) passenger fee (if arriving from outside the United States). $5. (This is set by the Department of Homeland Security.) • Fuel surcharges. At the airline's discretion, to offset fuel costs. • Paper ticket charge. Some airlines may charge up to $50 to provide a paper copy of your ticket, rather than an e-copy. Some online vendors will also add a similar fee, in addition to what the airlines charge. • Phone reservation charge. Some airlines and online sellers will charge extra if you book by phone instead of online. • Change fee. Need to change your itinerary after you've bought the ticket? The airline or the online seller may charge you.