Hike in airline passenger fees proposed

An increased from $2.50 to $5.00 for each flight segment has been requested in the new White House budget for 2006.  That would translate to a $ 6 increase to $10 for a simple round trip flight or $12 increase to $ 20 for a round trip involving a connection. 

The Air Transport Association opposes the tax, believing it is ultimately a tax on airlines by raising ticket prices and the cost of airlines doing business.

The new White House budget calls for $34.2 billion in discretionary funding for the Homeland Security budget — a 6.8% increase from current levels — on top of $6.7 billion required by law.

210 new border patrol agents are proposed to be added, bring the total number of border patrol agents to 10,949; new to detect weapons of mass destruction and block them from entering the country; more air marshals; training programs and technical assistance for local and state first responders.

Report by Charles Kao