APD and Other Environmental Mysteries
Posted on November 02, 2009 by Fiona Hilliard
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The first of two rises to Air Passenger Duty (APD) came into effect at all UK airports yesterday.
The new system means that passengers will have to add between £11 and £55 to the cost of each flight from the UK…but that’s not the end of it – further hikes are on the way in November 2010.
What the funds will be spent on remains a mystery, however. Although they say it will be used for environmental reasons, the government is refusing to say how it will be spent. So here’s the breakdown:
Flights that come under Band A (destinations under 2,000 miles from London) now incur a levy of £10 while those that fall into Band B (20001 – 4000 miles) must pay £40 to £45. Meanwhile, far flung Band C (4,0001 – 6000 miles) passengers will have to stump up between £40 to £50. Serious globetrotters will be hit by the biggest levy (£55), while premium passengers will have to pay DOUBLE that.
Look away now if you’re planning a trip to Australia next year. The levy that’s set to be introduced in November 2010 means you’ll have to pay £85 in Economy. If you want a bit of legroom it will cost you £170 in Premium Economy.
Seems like a lot of money to hand over, no questions asked. Then again, it’s not a million miles away from Ireland’s plastic bag levy. I mean, what has that money been spent on? If I remember correctly, at the time the public were told that the money would be invested in “environmental projects”….where’s the evidence?
About the Author: Fiona likes to travel – especially to cities. Her favourites include: New York, London, Copenhagen, Madrid and Lisbon.
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