Certain taxes have ALWAYS had to be paid on frequent flier tickets. I do'nt use mine to fly from NJ to FL. I can sit in coach for a couple hours, no problem. I use them for First Class tickets when I'm flying cross country or overseas.
That said, when flying outside the US and it's protectorates on a FF ticket, you have always had to pay taxes. Flew to Alberta Canada last year, and had to pay about $20 in taxes. But I figure that's not bad, considering that my ticket would have cost me $2860 had I paid for it!!
Just got back from Las Vegas two days ago, and didn't have to pay any security tax, but it went into effect while I was in Las Vegas (again flew on a FF ticket), so maybe they only collect it at the start of the trip. (That ticket would have cost me about $1800!)
Still, paying $10 for a free ticket is still a deal to me!!
Anne