KEY POINTS:
Passengers appear to agree Auckland Airport's decision to scrap the international departure tax was a good idea - even if they didn't know about it.
The change came into effect yesterday, meaning passengers will no longer have to pay a separate $25 fee, with the charge instead now included in increased ticket prices.
Auckland Airport chief executive Don Huse said the change had been prompted by feedback from travellers and will bring the airport in line with other major gateways around the world.
Departing passengers the Herald spoke to at Auckland Airport believe the change is a good idea, as it will make departing from the airport easier and more efficient.
Frequent flyer Robert Jarvis, who often travels globally as a consultant, welcomed the change. "I think that's a brilliant idea.
"People who travel a lot don't need to be mucking around with local currency when they're moving out."
However, not all travellers were aware of the change.
Andie Lovegrove, who was travelling to Sydney with her family, was on her way to pay the fee when the Herald spoke to her.
"I had just said on the way in, 'now I've got to pay the stupid departure tax'.
"I had no idea [about the change], I think that's fantastic." She said even if the cost included in the ticket price was higher than the old departure tax, she still preferred the change as it was more convenient.
"I think that if you counter-balance the hassle and annoyance of having to go and pay the departure tax, which is a kind of exterior thing, I think having it bundled together is better."
Flying overseas for the first time, Buenos Aires-bound Julian Claasen was unaware of the departure tax. "I've probably paid for it and not even realised."
