Delta Air Lines Inc., the third- largest U.S. carrier, is adding fuel surcharges of as much as $50 for frequent-flier tickets to blunt this year's 42 percent surge in jet-fuel prices.

Delta joins US Airways Group Inc. and American Airlines in charging to redeem the rewards, a new source of income as carriers try to stem widening losses. Taxes, security fees and airport landing charges collected by many airlines on frequent- flier travel must be passed on to government agencies.

"Everyone else will quickly fall in line because they need the revenue any way they can get it," said Randy Petersen, founder of WebFlyer.com, which tracks award programs. "There is no such thing as a free ticket anymore. ... Read full article