I have been quoted by British Airways, on a return flight from to New York (JFK), the fare plus about £160 for taxes and fees. Could you please tell me how they arrive at this figure, as I would think that half of Britain would like to know? Brian Holliday, by email

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: Extras on top of airfares have skyrocketed in recent years. Take a return trip to New York this September and as you point out, the total taxes, fees, and other charges come to a whopping £162.10.

The largest part of this, at £38 each way, is the now notorious fuel surcharge. This controversial extra is levied by some airlines to claw back the spike in fuel prices, which were under $30 (US Dollars) a barrel from 1983 to 2004, when BA introduced a surcharge of £5 each way. Oil is now at $75 a barrel and the fuel surcharge from BA at £38 per long haul flight under nine hours, and £43 for flights over nine hours.

The other BA imposed charge is £2.50 each way for ŒInsurance and Security¹, which passes on some of the airline¹s higher post 9/11 costs.

The rest of the charges are imposed by governments and break down as follows: UK Air Passenger Duty, £20 each way; Heathrow Passenger Service Charge, £14.30; US International Transportation Tax, £14.80; US Immigration and Naturalisation Service User Fee, £3.40; US Customs User Fee, £2.70; U.S Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Fee, £2.50; JFK Passenger Facility Charge, and US Civil Aviation Security Service Fee, £1.20.

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