All the fees involved in travelling cause much resentment, but Victoria International Airport鈥檚 proposed increase to its improvement fee should not be one of those. It鈥檚 a modest increase for a facility that fulfils its mandate with excellence.
The Victoria Airport Authority has decided to increase its improvement fee, paid by departing passengers, to $15 from $10, effective July 1. The fee, which pays for upgrading and expansion, has not changed since 2004.
While the increased fee might be annoying to travellers in light of the increased number of extra fees levied by airlines, such as charges for checked baggage, the improvement fee is good value. Victoria鈥檚 airport is recognized around the world for its excellence.
In February, it was announced that the airport had won a prestigious award for customer service in North America among airports serving up to two million passengers a year. It鈥檚 the second time the Victoria airport has won the Airports Council International award for service quality. It also won in 2012.
The award is based on customer satisfaction with the airport鈥檚 ambience, efficiency, staff courtesy, cleanliness, value for money in food, beverage and retail outlets, and security screening processes. Airport authority chief executive Geoff Dickson said that award is the 鈥渉ighest possible distinction in the industry.鈥�
鈥淚t鈥檚 like the Oscars of the airport industry.鈥�
While providing top-notch public service, the airport authority does not drain tax dollars. It is financially self-sufficient, with 31 per cent of its revenues coming from the improvement fee. Its net income rose from $5.8 million in 2012 to $6.4 million in 2013, with profits going back into the airport.
In the hectic world of air travel, Victoria鈥檚 airport is a peaceful oasis, especially for people who have come through airports in places such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Toronto. Even without those comparisons, our airport is a refreshing and pleasant space.
The amenities are of good quality, and those who work there are generally courteous and efficient. The necessary security screening process works well without being militaristic.
Those prone to calculating percentages might gasp at raising a fee 50 per cent in one leap, but percentages don鈥檛 always tell the whole tale. At $15 per departing passenger, Victoria鈥檚 airport-improvement fee will still be one of the lowest in sa国际传媒.
First impressions are hard to overcome, so it鈥檚 important that the first impression be positive. For many visitors to the Island, their opinions are forming as they step off the plane. We don鈥檛 need to be concerned that the airport will give them the wrong impression of the Victoria region.
The airport authority did not garner its good reputation by sitting on its hands. The airport is constantly changing, constantly improving. The authority is forward-looking without over-reaching, ensuring improvements keep pace with growth. Its long-term plans are realistic and practical. Revenue from the improvement fee will go toward the $165 million in capital expenditures mapped out for the next decade.
Air travel is becoming increasingly uncomfortable, with shrinking leg room on aircraft and expanding costs for such things as luggage and refreshments. A hectic airport experience only adds to the stress.
When $25 is tacked onto your fare as you fly out of Toronto鈥檚 Pearson International Airport, you could be forgiven for wondering if you are getting value for your money. The benefits of Victoria鈥檚 improvement fee are readily apparent.
