A tax by any other name ...

A few weeks ago, an Editor's Viewpoint discussed full body scanners being installed at Canadian airports. The crux of the argument was there would always be a certain amount of risk involved when availing of mass transit - and while the need to be vigilant about terrorists and their ilk would remain, one would hope that travellers' safety wouldn't come at the cost of themselves being treated like would-be terrorists every time they want to board a plane.

Well, folks, increased security is a reality at Canadian airports, and travellers are footing the bill. The federal government recently announced travellers would have to pay the fees associated with new security measures, including full body scanners, extra security staff and explosives detection.

To cover the $1.5 billion the federal government would invest in these heightened security measures, safety fees would rise by $2.50 for a one-way flight within Canada, $4.37 for trans-border flights, and $8.91 for international flights.

In making the announcement, Transport Minister John Baird noted these new charges would be considered user fees, not a tax, as they would only come at the expense of travellers, not every taxpayer.

Well, considering how many people use airlines for work or visiting family and friends in other parts of the country (would one rather drive to places like Fort McMurray?), these fees seem to be targeting a large percentage of the population.

But fair enough, one supposes. Travellers have to pay for security when travelling. But it's hard to fathom why the fees change depending on the destination. With more than triple the fees, is an international flight safer than a domestic flight? And what if a traveller elects for the classic manual pat-down instead of the high-tech full body scan? Should they get a discount?

As our technology increases to fight terrorists and other crooks, so does their means of enacting their crimes. We can't ever be absolutely guaranteed of arriving safely at our destination, regardless of what each and every passenger is subjected to by security guards or other airline officials.

The cost of flying is already astronomical, with various taxes, charges, and baggage and improvement fees tacked onto the cost of the actual airline ticket. With an extra fee tacked on for added security measures, it seems as though flying will become what it once was - a luxury available to only a select few. The only difference is that those travelling will be treated more like would-be criminals that some sort of jet-set elite.