Paying Double for Dubious Security

President Obama's proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning in October contains a gift for airline travelers: A 200 percent increase in the security fee that's attached to each ticket.  (Click here to read the Associated Press story.)

The fee, which is currently $2.50 per segment, would rise to as much as $5.50 per segment, ostensibly to cover the cost of providing the folks who have been known to let through prohibited items while pinching perfectly legitimate stuff (click here to see an example of what I mean). 

It would be almost worth paying twice what I am paying today to get better security, but I don't think better, more thoughtful, security is in the plan.  

To start, the increase is proposed by people who -- at least for the next 3.5 years -- will seldom, if ever, fly on a commercial airliner or pass through a TSA security check point.  Second, the increase is proposed by people who don't pay for their own air fare.  And third, the increase is way out of whack with the the general trend in the price of goods and services, which  is in decline!

Just about anywhere else, you just couldn't make the case these days for doubling the price of a service or a fee, unless it made you feel more "safe."  For security's sake, nothing is too good for the traveling public.  In this case, this is precisely what we're getting --- nothing.   

Welcome: Meet the Travel Foxx

Welcome to a blog on just about anything that has to do with travel and transportation.

Growing-up as I did in Kansas, travel came naturally, if for no other purpose than simply getting around in the place. At roughly 400 miles West to East; and 200 miles North to South, the place is huge! When I came of age, a young driver could obtain a learner's permit at age 14; a restricted license at age 15; and a full-up license at age 16. Safe to say, I've been operating motor vehicles of all types for most of my life.

Over the past five years, I've spent a fair amount of my work week on commercial airlines and in airports in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Despite the growing list of greedy or mindless indignities the airlines and the government insist on burdening the traveling public, I still enjoy air travel -- although I've become more particular about which airlines get my business.

My perspective on travel and transportation is also influenced by my near-lifelong affection for aircraft, which was fueled -- no doubt -- by growing-up in Wichita, Kansas, which still calls itself "the Air Capital of the World" because it is home to Cessna, Boeing, Beech, and Lear-Jet aircraft companies (although those corporations are now owned by Textron, Spirit, Raytheon, and Bombardier, respectively).

I have been an airplane pilot and flight instructor for nearly 30 years, and continue to give both primary and advanced flight instruction when my "day job" allows.

All of this has given me a peculiar -- perhaps, even unconventional -- point of view on travel and transportation. For example, I think that aviation reporting by the electronic and print media is more about sensation than substance. I think that because most U. S. Airlines put profit ahead of their passengers, they will continue to see an erosion in profits and passengers despite at least one glowing example of profitability and customer service (Southwest Airlines). I think that travel need not be expensive or emotionally onerous. Travel can be fun again -- with a bit of clever help and guidance!

Thanks for reading The Travel Foxx! Let me hear from you!