having done computer repair work for several travel agencies, and also doing the "Research and sales" of one, I can tell you that this has been the standard since at least(and probly much longer) the early 90's, It is also the method used on most everything else, noone ever adds the Taxes (it's not there charge weither airfare, food, clothes, drugs, autos, toys, LONG DISTANCE PROVIDERS, PHONE SERVICE, VONAGE and other VOIPS(now), ETC....) also above does not mention other things, Like the fact you need a Passport (can take months to apply, or as short as 1 month[shorter with extra cost]) a VISA (nope not a credit card) and you either need a Torist visa, student visa(not for a weekend in a hotel), or a work visa, it doesn't tell you about how much the conversion of fund from american curency to british pounds is, or how much the food will cost either!!!!

P.S. if you book months ahead you can get a better rate!
P.P.S. if you are going overseas to get a spouse (such as all of those dating services) you may even get a cheaper rate than the cheapest airline fare!!!!)

Special note, if you don't know how to do all of this yourself, you may actually save money by going thru a "Travel agent" who knows all of this info, and books overseas flights!!!!!!!!!