Tax on Travel

[V]

It seems like local governments, and others, like to hit tourists with high taxes on rooms, and airfares. They make easy targets, really, because they don't vote!

Several of my recent purchases of air tickets consisted of more taxes, than airfare!

[matkirk]

I used to sell flights about 10 years ago and the most tax you'd pay would be about 60 pounds, but usually it would be less.

Now if you fly London Cancun with B.A the flight is 359 pounds and the tax is 364 pounds! I'm surprised people haven't made more of a fuss about this!

Here's a breakdown

Government, authority and airport charges Per adult
Air Passenger Duty - United Kingdom GBP75.00
Passenger Service Charge - United Kingdom GBP30.63
Customs User Fee - USA GBP7.00
Animal & Plant Health User Fee (Aphis) - USA GBP6.40
Immigration User Fee - USA GBP9.00
Passenger Civil Aviation Security Service Fee - USA GBP3.20
Airport Departure Tax (International) - Mexico GBP17.50
Tourism Tax - Mexico GBP12.30
Passenger Facility Charge GBP2.90
Total government, authority and airport charges* GBP163.93
More information

British Airways fees and surcharges Per adult
Fuel Surcharge** GBP191.00
Insurance and Security Surcharge** GBP10.00
Total British Airways fees and surcharges GBP201.00

What I want to know is why am I paying a 195 quid fuel surcharge as a tax? So you're charging for the seat and then charging me for the fuel as well?

Makes me really mad. Over the years they just kept on adding stuff in.