Category: US International Air Service

Phoenix Sky Harbor Launches Enhanced Passenger Processing for International Arrivals

Posted on | by RyanMadsen

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is continuing to streamline the passenger experience with the launch of Enhanced Passenger Processing, a new initiative designed to help eligible travelers move through customs more quickly and efficiently. 

Introduced in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the program gives U.S. citizens arriving on international flights a faster, touchless option in the customs inspection area. Phoenix Sky Harbor is the 23rd airport in the country to offer the free service, adding another convenience-focused tool to the airport’s broader passenger experience strategy. 

A Faster Way Through Customs 

Enhanced Passenger Processing is a voluntary program for U.S. citizens, and no pre-enrollment is required. Travelers who choose to participate simply arrive at the CBP inspection area, where a camera captures their image and matches it to the document information already on file with the agency. 

The process takes only seconds to complete. By streamlining a key step in the international arrivals experience, the program helps travelers move more quickly through customs while supporting a secure and efficient inspection process. It also allows CBP officers to focus more directly on travelers and the inspections. 

“This initiative is the result of the strong collaboration between our Technology and Operations teams, the airlines, and CBP,” said Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. “Phoenix Sky Harbor continues to grow its international travel market, and this exceptional new program is yet another way we reinforce our brand of being America’s Friendliest Airport.” 

Collaboration and Operational Impact 

Like many successful airport initiatives, Enhanced Passenger Processing reflects close coordination among airport teams, airline partners, and federal agencies. Implementing new technology in international arrivals and customs requires the right infrastructure and strong collaboration across operational, technological, and regulatory partners.  

For Phoenix Sky Harbor, the launch of the program also supports the airport’s continued focus on improving the overall passenger experience. It is one of several services the airport offers to reduce friction and improve convenience throughout the travel journey. 

Other options include TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, CLEAR+ eGates, PHX Reserve, biometric exit for international departures, and Early Bag Check for select domestic travelers. Together, these services reflect the airport’s broader effort to create a smoother, more efficient experience from arrival to departure. 

Part of the Broader Industry Focus on the Passenger Experience 

Across the industry, airports are continuing to look for practical ways to streamline the customer experience at every stage of the journey. That includes reducing wait times, expanding self-service options, and using technology to make travel more predictable and convenient. 

Programs like Enhanced Passenger Processing reflect that broader shift. Airports are increasingly taking a more connected approach to the passenger journey, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen service, and reduce friction from curb to gate and beyond. 

For Phoenix Sky Harbor, Enhanced Passenger Processing is one example of how airports are putting that approach into practice. By investing in tools that improve both convenience and operations, airports can better support a seamless, customer-focused travel experience. 

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Opens U.S. Preclearance Facility, Unlocking New Era for Cross-Border Travel

Posted on | by ScottElmore

A major milestone for cross-border air travel in North America took flight this week as Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport officially opened its U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility, enabling travelers to complete U.S. customs and immigration procedures before departing Canada.

The launch marks a transformative moment for Toronto’s downtown airport by streamlining travel to the United States, opening the door to new transborder routes, and strengthening economic ties between Canada and the U.S.

For passengers, the experience will feel familiar to travelers departing from other major Canadian hubs: they clear U.S. customs prior to boarding, arrive in the United States as domestic passengers, and bypass customs lines upon landing.

A Decade in the Making

The new facility brings U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance operations to Billy Bishop for the first time, the culmination of more than a decade of planning and collaboration between the U.S. and Canadian governments, the Toronto Port Authority, and terminal partner Nieuport Aviation.

“Today marks a defining milestone for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and for the passengers and markets we proudly serve,” said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority, the owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

“For nearly 90 years, this airport has linked Toronto and the region to tourism, trade and business, earning recognition as one of North America’s best airports. With the opening of the U.S. Preclearance facility, we will further enhance convenience, strengthen security and create new opportunities for connection,” Steenstra said.

With the facility now operational, travelers bound for the United States will complete customs, immigration, and agriculture inspections in Canada before takeoff, eliminating the need to clear U.S. customs upon arrival.

Preclearance is already a hallmark of several major Canadian airports, but its introduction at Billy Bishop is particularly significant given the airport’s downtown location and business-traveler focus.

Opening the Door to New U.S. Routes

Beyond convenience, the new facility unlocks expanded connectivity.

Airlines have long required preclearance infrastructure to launch many U.S. routes from Canada. With the facility now operational, both Air Canada and Porter Airlines have already signaled plans to expand transborder service from the airport.

Airport leaders say the change will help position Billy Bishop as an even stronger gateway between Toronto’s downtown core and major American markets.

Jennifer Quinn, CEO of Nieuport Aviation, Billy Bishop’s terminal partner, described the development as “far more than a process upgrade.”

“By clearing U.S. Customs in Canada, we’re making travel to the U.S. more convenient, unlocking new routes, facilitating more connections to and from Toronto and growing the economy through visitor spend and job creation,” Quinn said.

Economic Impact for the Toronto Region

Local business and economic leaders also emphasized the broader economic implications.

According to the Toronto Region Board of Trade, improved cross-border access will strengthen the region’s ability to connect with U.S. partners, clients, and investors, an important factor in regional competitiveness.

Tourism leaders echoed that sentiment. The United States remains Toronto’s largest international visitor market, generating $1.6 billion in visitor spending in 2025, according to Destination Toronto.

With faster and more seamless travel between downtown Toronto and key U.S. cities, officials expect the new facility to help drive both business travel and leisure tourism.

The project was supported by a $30 million investment from the Government of Canada and required extensive collaboration among the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CBP, airport authorities, airlines, and regional stakeholders.

Why It Matters for Airports

Preclearance programs have become a powerful tool for airports seeking to expand transborder service while improving the passenger experience.

By moving the inspection process upstream, airports can:

  • Reduce arrival congestion at U.S. airports
  • Improve reliability and passenger flow
  • Enable service to U.S. airports without customs facilities
  • Strengthen cross-border economic connectivity

Industry observers note that successful projects like Billy Bishop’s can serve as a model for future international aviation partnerships.

Dr. Laura Dawson of the Canada‑US Future Borders Coalition called the facility “an innovative model of passenger preclearance that will become the gold standard for sites in Canada, the United States, and around the world.”

A New Chapter for Toronto’s Downtown Airport

For nearly 90 years, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has connected Toronto’s downtown core with destinations across Canada and the United States.

With the launch of U.S. preclearance, airport leaders say the facility will now help usher in a new chapter, one defined by greater convenience, expanded connectivity, and stronger economic impact for the region.

As cross-border travel continues to rebound and demand grows, the new facility positions the airport to play an even larger role in the North American aviation network.

Fireside Chat Recap: ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci on the Future of Global Airports

Posted on | by ScottElmore

At the International Aviation Club’s latest luncheon in Washington, D.C., Kevin Burke, President and CEO of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), sat down for a fireside chat with Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World. The discussion touched on the evolving role of ACI World, the biggest challenges facing airports today, and what the industry must do to remain competitive in an increasingly globalized and technology-driven aviation landscape.

ACI World’s Expanding Role on the Global Stage

Since taking the helm of ACI World in September 2024, Erbacci has prioritized strengthening advocacy, enhancing global collaboration, and driving innovation in airport operations. As the voice of the world’s airports before international bodies like ICAO and IATA, ACI World is preparing for the upcoming ICAO Triennial Assembly in September 2025, where key policies affecting airport sustainability, safety, and capacity will be debated.

Addressing Safety and Security in a Changing Threat Landscape

With recent security incidents making headlines, Erbacci emphasized that safety and security remain the foundation of global aviation. He highlighted ACI World’s APEX safety and security programs, which provide peer-driven assessments and best practices to help airports maintain the highest operational standards. While aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, continuous investment in technology, training, and regulatory alignment is essential to address evolving threats.

Capacity Optimization

Airports are facing capacity constraints. ACI’s latest projections indicate that global passenger traffic will reach 17.7 billion by 2043, nearly doubling by 2053. To accommodate this growth, airports must expand infrastructure while adopting more sustainable operations.

U.S. Airports and the Global Competitive Landscape

With five of the world’s ten busiest airports located in the United States, American aviation remains a dominant force. However, China is set to surpass the U.S. in total passenger traffic by 2053, signaling a shift in global aviation dynamics.

To stay competitive, U.S. airports must prioritize infrastructure investment, innovative financing models, and non-aeronautical revenue opportunities, such as enhanced retail and hospitality experiences. As Erbacci noted, airports must evolve beyond being simple transit hubs and become destination experiences in their own right.

Managing Growth Through Smarter Slot Allocation and Technology

With rising passenger demand and growing slot constraints, airports need better tools to optimize capacity and improve efficiency. ACI World is advocating for modernizing the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG) to align with today’s market needs while investing in automation, AI-driven traffic management, and workforce development to streamline operations.

The Next Generation of the Passenger Experience

Finally, Erbacci highlighted the growing expectations of travelers for seamless, stress-free, and personalized airport experiences. ACI’s recent ASQ Global Traveller Survey found that passengers are increasingly looking for automated processes, premium service offerings, and sustainability-focused travel options. As airports continue to innovate with biometric screening, AI-powered personalization, and eco-conscious design, the future of air travel will be shaped by the industry’s ability to meet these evolving demands.

Looking Ahead

With ACI World leading the charge on global policy, sustainability, and operational excellence, airports must embrace innovation and collaboration to navigate the challenges ahead. Whether through capacity expansion, sustainability initiatives, or enhanced passenger experiences, the conversation made clear that the next decade will be transformative for the aviation industry.

 

Dolliole and Miller Launch Airport Minority Leadership Initiative

Posted on | by ScottElmore

Last month at the 2024 ACI-NA/AAAE Washington Legislative Conference, ACI-NA Chair Kevin Dolliole and AAAE Chair Perry Miller announced a new initiative called Soaring Scholars: Airport Minority Leadership Initiative, which aims to increase the percentage of minorities in leadership roles at U.S. airports. Dolliole, Director of Aviation for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Miller, President and CEO of Richmond International Airport, launched this initiative to recruit, educate, and develop the best and brightest students beginning in high school, through college, and into management training positions at airports across the United States.

It will be established as an independent non-profit organization that will focus on four key strategies.

  • Identify minority high school students who are interested in the airport industry and demonstrate promising leadership talent
  • Partner with colleges and universities to create pathways to assist students in their pursuit of higher education in either aviation or any other relevant field
  • Provide students with leadership development, essential people skills learning, and coaching opportunities
  • Offer scholars internships and management track roles at airports

In the coming weeks, Brad Mims will join as the Executive Director of Soaring Scholars. Mims has served as a transportation professional in government and the private sector for over 40 years. More recently, he served as the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and he currently works with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Additionally, nine airports will participate in the Soaring Scholars pilot program. These airports will help to develop the key components of the internships and management training program. They also committed to being among the first to provide employment opportunities to the highly qualified candidates developed through this initiative.

The airports are:

  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
  • Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Long Beach Airport
  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
  • Richmond International Airport
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport
  • San Antonio International Airport

’60 Minutes’ Correspondent Scott Pelley: Aviation is a Miracle

Posted on | by ScottElmore

During the 2022 ACI-NA Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Alessio Olivetti caught up with Scott Pelley, the 60 Minutes correspondent and 2022 annual conference keynote, who shared his experience as tireless traveler and long-time journalist.

 

AO: You travel all around the world. It’s safe to say you’re a frequent traveler. What’s the most memorable airport experience have you ever had?

SP: My most memorable experience would have been at the very beginning of COVID, when thousands of people in the United States were dying every day.

I was covering COVID, and I was flying through Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. I got off the plane and I was the only person in the terminal. Everything was closed. There were Texas State troopers clearing every plane and taking down the contact information for every passenger who came off.

I could hear the soles of my shoes clacketing on the floor. I was literally by myself walking through Houston Intercontinental, which I came through many times surrounded by tens of thousands of people in the terminal.

It was just such a shocking, remarkable experience to understand better in an airport than anywhere else the effects the COVID was having and would continue to have on the national economy. If Houston Intercontinental is empty of people, the economy has stopped, you can tell.

 

AO: You wanted to become an astronaut when you were a child. The U.S. has been the cradle of the aerospace industry for a century. Why are people fascinated in stories about aviation and lately about space tourism?

SP: People are still fascinated about the courage required to leave the Earth and fly beyond the atmosphere. Even though we have been watching that happen in the United States since 1957, the year I was born by the way, people are still fascinated about the images coming back from space, our astronauts on the International Space Station for example. And now in this all-new world of private companies launching people in space we are beginning to imagine, ‘Hey, it could be me, I could go too!’

In terms of aviation, there is just something about flying. I should be the most jaded airline passenger at all times. I’m a multi-million miler on many different airlines, but I’m still thrilled when I get on a plane and it leaves the ground. It never gets old.

I was on the A380 the other day, which is the size of an apartment building. The engineering involved in building something like an A380 or a 747-8 is a miracle, getting that thing off the ground almost effortlessly. Engineering is far beyond me, but I have so much respect for it.

There is another thing about aviation. People complain insensitively about their flight being delayed, canceled, or their luggage being lost. I get all of that, it’s very frustrating.

But I would argue that aviation today is a miracle. You can literally be anywhere on this Earth in 24 hours. Imagine such a thing.

I’m amazed at the way the airline industry runs all around the world with thousands of operations every day, and virtually accident-free. It’s one of the greatest achievements of man.

 

AO: What’s your favorite interview if you have one?

SP: Now I have a new favorite interview and that’s the one I did in April with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

I’ve never met a leader of a country who has impressed me more. The courage that he took to stay in Kyiv when the Russians were coming at him in three different directions. And when he walked outside into the courtyard and filmed a video message on his phone.

That moment galvanized the country to resist. It was on the knife’s edge of collapsing until he walked out and said, ‘We’re not going anywhere, we’re all staying here.’

Just an incredibly courageous and impressive man who forced the Russians to retreat from Kyiv and from Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv. He has punched way above his weight leading his people so courageously.

At the end of the interview, I said ‘Mr. President, we wish you all the luck in the world.’ He broke into English saying, ‘Half of it, I think we need half of it.’

A man with 44 million people on his shoulders and he is still having a sense of humor.

Celebrating April as U.S. Airport Professional Appreciation Month

Posted on | by ScottElmore

 

As U.S. Airport Professional Appreciation Month comes to a close, we have been so excited to celebrate the airport industry professionals who are demonstrating their commitment to industry excellence and professional development.  We recently caught up with Sylvia A. Palmer, Vice President, Operations and Regulatory Affairs, at the Airport Consultants Council to learn about her experience in the program.  Sylvia recently completed her USAP studies and is now an accredited U.S. Airport Professional.  She is one of eleven students to be celebrated this first U.S. Airport Professional Appreciation Month!

ACI-NA: Why did you decide to enroll in USAP?

SP: In 2020, as the aviation industry was undergoing massive disruption, I desired a resource that would provide a comprehensive overview of the entire U.S. airport system as we knew it, and the all-encompassing evolution occurring as a result of the pandemic’s wide-reaching impact on the aviation industry.

ACI-NA: How is USAP making you a better airport industry professional?

SP: The USAP program’s detailed and well-constructed modules touched on every aspect of the U.S. airport ecosystem, in a cohesive manner. It helped me understand the changing industry landscape, and operational and management strategies that would help to re-invent the overall airport and travel experience. The program is also helping me better understand how to engage airport development stakeholders and regulatory bodies in the advancement of a more resilient, efficient, sustainable, customer-centric aviation system.

ACI-NA: What would you say to a friend or colleague who expresses interest in USAP?

SP: I endorse the USAP program for anyone who desires to grow as a leader within the aviation industry. It strengthens the critical skills necessary to effectively manage and lead change in the current dynamic airport environment. Congratulations to ACI-NA for delivering such rigorous professional development, and thank you for the opportunity to participate.

About the USAP Accreditation Program

In 2020, ACI-NA launched an accredited e-learning training curriculum, the U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) Program, to equip students with the leadership and strategic management skills necessary for personal and professional advancement in the U.S. airport industry.  The program was developed in collaboration with U.S. airport industry and professional development experts.

Comprised of seven online courses and a writing assignment, the USAP accreditation program covers the full range of current airport management topics, including leadership development, business strategy, commercial management, finance, operations, safety, security, air service, and more.  Each student who completes the program is permitted to use the USAP credential to demonstrate their understanding of the U.S. airport system.

Learn more about the U.S. Airport Professional accreditation program at www.usairportprofessional.org.

 

Looking Forward One Year In

Posted on | by ScottElmore

By Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO, ACI-NA

Now at the one-year milestone of widespread travel and local restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19, we are reminded that this past year has been incredibly challenging for so many, both personally and professionally.  While so much has changed in our industry as we continue to respond to this prolonged crisis, airports remain fully committed to ensuring the health, safety and security of the traveling public and airport workers.

Although North American airports quickly mobilized to protect travelers and workers, the significant drop in passenger traffic has wiped out record growth in air travel and decimated the airport industry’s financial outlook. In 2019, more than 1.9 billion people traveled through North American airports.  At the start the pandemic, air travel dropped by upwards of 95 percent.  ACI-NA estimates that the pandemic will cost U.S. airports more than $40 billion and Canadian airports more than $5.5 billion — a number that will only grow if the pandemic drags on.

There is no shortage of issues confronting the industry.  Early in the pandemic, ACI-NA created the Airport Industry Recovery Advisory Panel to provide the industry with valuable recommendations on immediate term, medium term and long-term measures to address the public health concerns and assist airports coming out of the pandemic.

These initiatives, ranging from restoring confidence in air travel to implementing a wide variety of mitigation strategies, are fostering a completely new level of collaboration across aviation industry stakeholders.  We each have a role to play, and the value of partnership has never been more important. As we think about the future, airports leaders should remain cognizant of the ever-evolving airport business model.  Our ongoing relationships with airline partners, concessionaires, retailers, service providers, and government regulators are essential to our continued success.

ACI-NA led the charge in an effort secure $20 billion in immediate financial relief for the U.S. airport industry.  We are immensely grateful from the strong support of the U.S. government for airports and their concession partners as they remain open and fully operational though this crisis.

Thanks to the proactive leadership of our team in Ottawa, Canada’s airports received some of the only sector specific COVID support in Canada, with some CAD $1.4 billion through ground rent waivers and deferrals, wage subsidy, and infrastructure funding.  However, as the situation in Canada grows more dire each day, our work continues in Canada to secure addition relief to meaningfully address the financial challenges Canada’s airports face.

One of the silver linings to come out of this pandemic is the rapid innovation and the deployment of new technologies to allow for a seamless – and contactless – passenger experience.  While most of this progress had seemed years away, the pandemic has accelerated this effort to turn our industry’s aspirations into reality.  One thing is clear: the passenger experience will look different than it did before. It is going to be better.

Airports have taken unprecedented actions to limit the spread of COVID-19.  As the eternal optimist, I am confident there is a light at the end of the tunnel and much to be done when we emerge from it. From enhancing airport sustainability and resiliency to taking full advantage of automation and big data to enabling a new generation of aircraft to operate at our airports, we face myriad opportunities to make a difference in the aviation industry. All of these opportunities require a ready and able workforce. We look forward to working with the industry to develop training that will help current airport workers adapt as well as prepare the next generation to make their mark on aviation.

Thank you for the continued trust you place in ACI-NA and the immensely talented team here at your trade association.  I continue to be proud of our team, our members, and the important work we do on behalf of North American airports.

 

Americans Are Starting to Fly Again

Posted on | by bwilson@airportscouncil.org

States around the country are taking their first steps to safely reopen our economy and to start rebuilding a sense of normal life. This Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer in North America — a well-deserved benchmark that we’ve made it through a difficult start of this year. This typically marks the beginning of our busy travel season, and while COVID-19 has quieted the typical buzz in our airport terminals and dramatically reduced the crowds, we are finally seeing an uptick in passengers who want to travel again.

Despite the challenges we still face, the Transportation Security Administration expects more than 350,000 people to travel through our airports this Memorial Day weekend. That is a far cry from the 2.7 million air travelers who passed through our airports last Memorial Day weekend, but it nearly doubles our traffic from weeks prior. Airports welcome these early signs of a rebound, and they are ready to help passengers navigate the new normal as we work to adapt to the future of travel together. If you’re traveling this Memorial Day weekend, here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Arrive early: Airports around the U.S. have enhanced safety standards and measures for all passengers. This could mean more delays as you travel through security checkpoints. Be sure to arrive early so you are able to make it to your gate and flight on time.
  • Adhere to physical distancing: Remember to keep your physical distance (6 feet) when going through checkpoints, shopping at concessions shops, or standing in line at customer service. By keeping your distance, you can help stop the spread of germs and keep you and others in your party healthy.
  • Wear a facial covering: Many states and local governments as well as airlines are requiring that masks be worn when occupying a public space. Please be sure to bring a facial covering with you to the airport and wear it throughout your duration there. For facial coverings to be worn properly they must cover your nose, mouth, and chin.
  • Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds throughout your time while traveling. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue away in a trash bin. Avoid touching your face.
  • Be patient: We are all learning these lessons together, so please understand that our dedicated workforce is doing everything in their power to adapt to these new requirements as quickly as possible to ensure the travel experience remains as seamless as it can be in the face of new health and safety guidelines.

As the nation continues to open up and more people begin to travel, implementing these best practices will help to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Our airports are eager to welcome you back.

Infrastructure Week 2019: 20th Century Airports in a 21st Century World

Posted on | by Scott Elmore

Today marks the official start to Infrastructure Week 2019, the long-celebrated week each year when the infrastructure community comes together and engages in a broad conversation about the importance of modern infrastructure.  For us, every week is Infrastructure Week (we’re not the first ones to make that joke and we won’t be the last…), but we’re proud to join in and represent airports in such an important dialogue this week.

As part of our participation in Infrastructure Week, ACI-NA will continue to amplify our important message about the need to invest in America’s aging airports.  Beginning today, passengers in airports will have the opportunity to hear directly from ACI-NA on the benefits of an improved and modernized airport system.  Watch by clicking below.

We couldn’t think of a better way to get our message in front of those who stand to benefit the most from the improved passenger experience, increased airline competition and lower airfares, and enhanced safety and security that will come when we meet the nearly $130 billion in infrastructure needs of America’s airports over the next five years.

We are proud to count CNN Airport Network as a valued ACI-NA member and an active participant in our Beyond the Runway Coalition.  CNN Airport Network’s tremendous support for our industry is greatly appreciated as we ramp up our efforts to engage in a broad conversation about the importance of modern airports to local communities.

For the latest on Infrastructure Week, visit the Centerlines NOW blog or following along on social media using #InfrastructureWeek #BuildForTomorrow.

Checked Facts: Airports Are Not Taxpayer Funded

Posted on | by aci_na_wpadmin

Benjamin Franklin said there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes.  If there’s one more thing we can be certain of on April 15, it’s the airlines continuing to spread misinformation about how America’s airports are funded.

It is common misconception that airports are funded with taxpayer dollars.  In reality, infrastructure projects at airports in the United States are funded through three key mechanisms: federal grants through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) local user fee, and tenant rents and fees.

No matter how many times the airlines repeat it, the PFC is not tax. The PFC is a local user fee that airports rely on to repair aging facilities, improve aviation safety, improve the passenger experience, create more airline competition to lower airfares, and accommodate rising demand.  With nearly $130 billion in infrastructure needs over the next five years, the PFC is the cheapest and most sustainable option available.

Here’s why:  The PFC empowers those who know the most about the local airport needs, infrastructure investments, and safety upgrades to make the best decisions for the airport while balancing the passenger’s interests. The PFC is collected locally and, unlike other aviation-related fees and taxes, stays local. It never gets passed to Washington, D.C. The PFC is the only funding tool that maximizes this kind of critical local control.  The airlines’ erroneous “tax” argument doesn’t hold water.

Today’s modern conservative movement is diverse and often fractious, so it can be hard to find unanimity on almost any issue. But when it comes to support for the PFC, conservative think tanks and advocacy groups speak with a clear voice in support of this quintessential user fee.

The Competitive Enterprise Institute, FreedomWorks, Heritage Foundation, Heritage Action, Reason Foundation, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, Taxpayer Protection Alliance, and Citizen Outreach are some of the leading anti-tax and free market organizations that agree the PFC is a local user fee.

User fees represent a better way to pay for infrastructure. Under this system, the people who actually use the airport bear the burden of upkeep and modernization. That is the most fair and equitable way to fund it – passengers who don’t use the airport will never be asked to pay for it. Americans certainly deserve to keep as much of their hard-earned money as possible.  How else would they be able to pay all those exorbitant airline bag fees?