This debate over the £1 charge is a great example of how some of the population refuse to understand how we got there in the first place. Don't bother having a look at the bigger picture. When I consider what I have to pay to fly somewhere now, compared to years ago, having to pay £1 is nothing. Yet people moan about it, will sit up the side of the road for hours to avoid paying it, but never ask what price they put on their own life. The first time I travelled to New Zealand in1975 I paid about £1100 for my airfare. At that same time I bought a new Ford Escort, cost £1100. Have a look at the cost of that airfare now, still under £1100 if you are prepared to do some research, what price the car? Airports are now getting paid much less per passenger and still have an airport to run. How do those of you who object to the £1 charge suggest they raise the money needed? Because you the passenger will not want to pay it. Imagine the uproar if a new charge was introduced to pay for security etc and added to the cost of the ticket. Lhr is not a fair comparison because it has a virtual monopoly on long haul. Have a look at what you pay to fly through Lhr in terms of passenger charges.
£1 is nothing, get over it and have a life.