Passengers should not expect quicker airport screening with a 33 percent increase in mandatory security fees, says the National Airlines Council. Fees intended to cover security costs represent an annual profit for the Government of Canada, figures show.

“I wish I could say these increases in fees would lead to better service for both the airlines and passengers,” said Jeff Morrison, CEO of the Airlines Council. “I cannot say that. For example, with the increase in the air security charge, that is money that goes into general revenue.”

Cabinet in its omnibus budget bill C-47 raised the Air Travelers Security Charge retroactive to May 1 from $15 to $20 on round trip domestic flights, $13 to $17 on U.S. flights and from $26 to $34 on overseas flights. “All that funding goes into general revenue,” CEO Morrison told the Senate national finance committee.

“Will it lead to better service, better improvements?” asked Morrison. “I wish I could say yes. Airlines wish we could say yes but given that, we don’t suspect that’s the case. Unfortunately I don’t believe so.”