I really HATE these mostly unexpected taxes. We encountered this at Vancouver a couple of years ago - not allowed through until you'd been to the ATM & got out the cash. Really spoilt our experience at YVR.
I'd forgotten all about this until I went to check in at Waterford this year - couldn't get a boarding card 'til I'd handed over the dosh. Really riled me, I can tell you. It's not the amount of money, but the way in which it's done which I find so annoying.
Now, having said that, we come to certain locos. We can't say for certain, but there is the suspicion that they won't be completely transparent about promptly passing on all the money garnered in the name of airport tax. I believe that the exception might be easyJet, who, in my experience, only charge what they are required to, i.e. my fare to ORK last week, £9.99 + £5 tax, ALL I paid was £14.99. Completely honest.
Maybe I've changed my mind a little about the way these taxes are collected...
The Odd One