Flying to Europe? Avoid London.

No we're not advocating skipping a visit to the UK capital altogether. We're just making travelers aware that the brilliant British law-makers have imposed an airline ticket tax on everyone flying into and through London.

As of February 1, passengers who fly into or through London airports will pay new taxes and fees that can add up to $154 to the cost of a ticket. Even worse, the "air tax" is applied retroactively, meaning that even those who purchased their tickets last year will be hit with the new tariffs if traveling after 2/1/07.

Why the hike? Proponents believe this is the best way to offset the "massive amounts of pollution" created by air travel. The added tax revenue is earmarked to fund local environment and public transit programs. The Bishop of London has even advocated not flying during all of 2007 to reduce your personal "carbon footprint".

We can't wait to see what ridiculous tax the legislators come up with next? Your next trip to London may require taking horse and buggies around town instead of taxis. In the meantime, consider flying to Manchester.