The Canada Post -- Travel

The Canada Post Travel Desk & Grill

Flight fees rise to cover security costs

Air travellers will pay higher fees to cover the costs of new security measures and technology, the federal government announced Feb 25.

Transport Minister John Baird said the government will put up $1.5 billion over the next five years to tighten security.

To cover the costs, fees for travellers will rise by $2.50 for a one-way flight in Canada, by $4.37 for transborder flights and by $8.91 for international routes.

"The cost should be borne by those who use these services, not all taxpayers," Baird said.

The $1.5 billion will be used for improving technologies and for body scanners, security staff, explosives detection and passenger observation throughout Canada's 89 airports. Security will also be improved in other airport operations such as the screening of airport staff.

The new security charge is a user fee, not a tax, Baird said. However, Thomas Mulcair, the deputy NDP, begged to differ.

"A tax is a tax is a tax," Mulcair said, adding the measure comes at a bad time for struggling companies.

BC town named surfer dude heaven

An influential U.S. magazine has named Tofino the number one surf town in North America.

Outside Magazine, a highly regarded resource for outdoor recreation, has published its first annual editors' choice awards, listing all the best things to see, do, wear, eat or drink in the outdoors.

In the editors' words, "the best surf town in North America is in Canada. Who knew?"

Many people in the surfing community in the tiny town on the west coast of Vancouver Island have bragged about the area's great waves and swelling surf culture for years.

The area is known for its great natural beauty and a water temperature that averages a bone-chilling 11C, requiring wetsuits for anybody who challenges the waves.

Last year, Tofino resident Peter de Vries beat out 140 international competitors to win the O'Neill Cold Water Classic in front of the hometown fans.

Toronto, Vancouver airports slip in rankings

The main airports in Vancouver and Toronto have received below-average grades for customer satisfaction in an international ranking by J.D. Power and Associates.

Canada's two largest airports both received grades below their peers on the company's annual survey of customer satisfaction when looking at more than 70 major air transport hubs across North America.

In the large category, Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport was awarded a score of 655 out of a possible 1,000. Within the category, the average score was 665. Toronto lost 12 points compared to where it sat last year.

The Vancouver International Airport was awarded a score of 663 and fell within the medium-sized category, coming in 14 points lower than last year.

The Calgary International Airport came in at an above-average 708. Those three airports were the only Canadian air hubs included in the study.

Laurence Phillips is away ...