Originally Posted by yulred

Alright, let's run with it.

1. The 'cost' argument: Simple google search reveals the cost of X-Ray machines to be in the vicinity of $50k. To offset the cost, all one has to do is charge $1/pax. At YYZ, that would generate $30 million+/year. Enough to buy new equipment and hire new staff every year. CATSA should collect it at each checkpoint rather than through the airline (to avoid it turning into a $5 surcharge with the airline pocketing $4). The added benefit: Going to go out on a limb here and suggest that the $1 will allow CATSA will to create higher quality jobs - and better service/experience for passengers - than AC's $25 fee currently does.

2. The 'time' argument: notwithstanding the obvious benefits of the option above in resolving this , airlines do in fact ask passengers to show up between 90-120 minutes prior to their flight. Feel free to add 15-30 min more.

Given the option of paying $1 and arriving 15 min earlier, or paying $25 to hang around at least 15 min (or more) after the flight, which option do you think pax will choose?

All in all, much ado about nothing. Worth noting that while you're fixated by the 'cost' of the effects of that $25 fee, you haven't actually questioned whether the $25 fee itself, is a reflection of the actual cost of providing the services. Makes one wonder if the actual 'cost' is even a factor in this line of reasoning, or if it's simply about justifying a new ancillary stream to solve a problem that doesn't exist.