Qantas Airways is planning to add a surcharge to credit card sales, following reserve bank reforms in effect from 1 January, say Australian sources. Previously, Australian retailers could not charge for handling costs. Bankcard, Mastercard and visa charge Qantas around 1.4%; Qantas pays American Express about 3%.
The airline says it is still studying its options, but sources say senior Qantas executives have already decided on a flat-fee surcharge, although some Australian merchants are considering varying the charge according to the size of the transaction. The new rules do not limit the amount of any surcharge.
Since credit cards are used extensively to buy airline tickets over the Internet, and discounted Internet fares are available only by credit card, the move could have a major effect on Qantas sales, unless other carriers follow suit.
Source: Airline Business
