UK Ferry Tickets

If emails were old-fashioned letters, I’d have received a bulging postbag in response to my recent article on the new air passenger duty, which I dubbed the ‘poll tax of the skies’.

From February 1, the tax goes up from £5 to £10 on economy short-haul flights and from £10 to £20 on the cheapest long-haul flights, with some in business class paying up to £80.

I argued that if we saw a tangible benefit, there would be some justification to the tax, but instead the money will just go into the Treasury coffers. Furthermore, it will not deter people from travelling.

I had some great responses. Plenty of people agreed with me but, it has to be said, many did not.

Michael agreed it was a poll tax of the skies, while the Chancellor’s decision has outraged Alex, Anthony and Paul.

A different Paul claims there would be huge economic consequences – such as massive job losses – if we drastically cut back on flights.

Federico says that we are fighting a losing battle, because emerging nations like China and India will soon more than make up for any reduction in flights from the west.

Liz supports the tax, but would like to see more joined up thinking from the government, which taxes travellers on one hand and expands airports on the other. She does put her money where her mouth is, by taking the ferry instead of flying, whenever possible.

Guy disagrees entirely with my article and thinks we need to take more responsibility and cut back on flying. So does Bjorn, although he admits that a £5 increase in air passenger duty will do nothing to deter travellers.

One lady, who will remain nameless, was so disgusted with my article she asked to be removed from the mailing list. Oh well, you can’t please everyone!

Guest Article by Jeremy Skidmore

Wednesday, January 31st, 2007