Budget Deal Would Hike Airline Security Fees

But don't call it a tax increase!

People who fly may see slightly higher airline ticket prices next summer if Congress approves the bipartisan budget deal struck by congressional leaders.

The deal, announced Tuesday evening and pending congressional approval, would raise the passenger security fee that helps fund airport security efforts by the Transportation Security Administration.

Airline advocates have been arguing that an increase in the security fee to reduce deficits would do nothing to strengthen airport security or speed up long security lines.

Right now the passenger security fee per ticket is $2.50 for each leg of a trip. The total fee to get to a destination, however, is capped at $5