A FARECOMPARE EXCLUSIVE:

A short time ago, United REMOVED its fuel surcharges in approximately 18,000 of its markets. Most of those fuel surcharges added $130 to the price of their airline tickets. The fuel surcharge is now ZERO.

According to United Spokesperson Robin Urbanski, the surcharge removal was the result of “clerical error”.

UPDATE 6PM EASTERN: United Spokesperson Robin Urbanski now says they are working with their distribution systems for United.com (which includes Travelport and ITA) to reinstate the fuel surcharges “as quickly as possible” which could be within the next hour or two.

Earlier, United said the “fixes” would not be made and filed until 8pm Eastern, and I noted that such changes normally aren’t loaded until Midnight Eastern time. I also understand now that United expects the “fixes” will be made sooner than that on United.com.

And I also understand the airline is reaching out to online sites such as Travelocity. However, let me add that, in my experience, it is unlikely that sites like Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc. would be able to make the changes until the standard time after Midnight EDT.

Bottom line: you should be comparing prices on United.com with those of online travel agencies, and if you see the much cheaper fare, grab it. It won’t be there for long.