ATLANTA (AP) - Delta Air Lines says it's going to start adding
surcharges of $25 or $50 roundtrip on frequent flyers' free tickets to help offset soaring fuel costs.

The lower fee applies to flights in the U.S. and Canada. The $50 surcharge will be tacked on to trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights, as well as on routes to the Caribbean and Latin America.

The change takes effect on SkyMiles award tickets issued starting August 15th.

SkyMiles managing director Jeff Robertson calls it a "difficult but essential" decision and he hopes it is temporary. He says if fuel prices come down, Delta officials will re-evaluate the surcharge.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)