The Air Transport Users’ Council has condemned the introduction of a £2 fast-track security charge at Liverpool John Lennon Airport for passengers wanting to bypass queues.
An AUC spokesman said airlines already pay for security as part of airport charges and the cost is included in fares.
The council also queried whether passengers paying the charge would clear security quicker and expressed concern that it might anger other travellers.
Fast-track security channels are already available to business and first-class passengers – who have paid considerably more than £2 for the privilege – or those who have paid a fee to an airline.
Liverpool originally tried to introduce a universal security charge in January, however this was dropped following a threat of court action by easyJet.
The fast-track charge follows months of discussions with airlines and has been introduced with their agreement.
Like many regional airports, Liverpool is locked into long-term deals on landing fees with low-cost carriers. It has a 20-year deal with easyJet and a 10-year agreement with Ryanair.
The airport reports about one in 10 passengers are paying the extra £2.