27 July 07
Liverpool
airport security charge criticised
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The Air-transport Users' Council
has condemned the introduction of a £2 fast-track security charge
at Liverpool John Lennon Airport for passengers wanting to bypass
queues.
An AUC spokesman said airlines already pay for security as part
of airport charges and the cost is included in fares.
The council also queried whether passengers paying the charge would
clear security quicker and expressed concern that it might anger other
travellers.
Fast-track security channels are already available to business and
first-class passengers - who have paid considerably more than £2 for
the privilege - or those who have paid a fee to an airline.
Liverpool originally tried to introduce a universal security charge
in January, however this was dropped following a threat of court action
by easyJet.
The fast-track charge follows months of discussions with airlines and
has been introduced with their agreement.
Like many regional airports, Liverpool is locked into long-term deals on
landing fees with low-cost carriers. It has a 20-year deal with easyJet
and a 10-year agreement with Ryanair.
The airport reports about one in 10 passengers are paying the extra £2.
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