About Gordon's increase in air tax

[DimPrawn]

Are you saying it isn't "fair"?

[pisces]

Yes, but have you all noticed how much cleaner the air is today.

No.

[tim123]

Do you think it would be OK to retrospectively put up my rate?

If the VAT rate goes up then yes, that's exactly what you do do.

(and the VAT isn't transparent to all clients)

tim

[ImNotFromIndia]

From the Times: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...577583,00.html

I like this bit:

"Airlines insist that the small print allows them to pass increases in tax on to passengers, but Mr Jack said that small print does not legally apply if the tickets were bought before December 7, the date of Mr Brown’s announcement."

That's me excused.

Yes. you can refuse ... you just won't get on the plane ... that's all.

[Fishface]

Question: Is Heathrow the only place in the world where if you have purchased a 1st class ticket you can get 'fast track' immigration & passport control?

It makes my blood boil everytime I see it.

Can they actual prevent my access to a government office based on the price of my ticket?

The USA has 'citizens' 'foreigners' 'resident aliens' as most other places.

[expat]

Question: Is Heathrow the only place in the world where if you have purchased a 1st class ticket you can get 'fast track' immigration & passport control?

It makes my blood boil everytime I see it.

Can they actual prevent my access to a government office based on the price of my ticket?

The USA has 'citizens' 'foreigners' 'resident aliens' as most other places.

No. Frankfurt. Faster business class too (!st is not even in my sight as I'm queueing).

I have wondered about that: if they haven't paid more to the airport or the government, why are they getting better treatment? And if they have, how much more? I'd pay a few quid more to get through faster (I just won't pay hundreds more for a guaranteed empy seat beside me and more drink). So let me go First in securrity and Second on the plane....


(Edit) the answer, at least for Immigration at Heathrow, seems to be that they have indeed paid for it, indirectly, because the airline pays:

Bribe your way to the front of the queue in Britain

The Home Office explains that BA covers the cost of the extra member of staff, that there is no burden on the taxpayer and no diminution of existing services to the public. They also insist that once in front of an immigration officer, everyone is treated exactly the same.

[Buffoon]

Question: Is Heathrow the only place in the world where if you have purchased a 1st class ticket you can get 'fast track' immigration & passport control?

It makes my blood boil everytime I see it.

Can they actual prevent my access to a government office based on the price of my ticket?

The USA has 'citizens' 'foreigners' 'resident aliens' as most other places.

What used to piss me off when flying first class is that would still have to wait for my bags with the rest of the plebs. Can't see why they put that first class tag on it. I'm going to ask that they don't next time.

[wendigo100]

What used to piss me off when flying first class is that would still have to wait for my bags with the rest of the plebs. Can't see why they put that first class tag on it. I'm going to ask that they don't next time.

Shit on the carousel. They'll soon sit up and take notice.