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Once a somewhat exclusive mode of travel that afforded passengers a sense of grandeur, many cost-cutting jetliners now charge extra for in-flight headphones, a simple sandwich, or even a miniature can of soft drink.
Last one in line has to wind the crank starter! Image: malte.mathiszig/Flickr.
Yet, while carrying a few spare pennies is perhaps advisable for those looking to have a more enjoyable flight, a new plan by budget operator Ryanair will see passengers having to use their pennies whenever the call of nature demands they spend one.
More pointedly, Ryanair’s status as Europe’s largest budget airline may soon see it labelled as cheap on more than one level after CEO Michael O’Leary told the BBC that the company is looking into the possibility of charging for access to toilet facilities throughout its fleet.
According to O’Leary, Ryanair is currently considering “putting a coin slot on the toilet door” of its planes and charging a pound (GBP) for usage. The company chief executive, who’s renowned for his pennywise attributes, doesn’t envisage the coin slots being seen as an inconvenience by passengers.
“I don’t think there is anybody in history that has got on board a Ryanair aircraft with less than a pound,” said O’Leary. “We’re all about finding ways of raising discretionary revenue so we can keep lowering the cost of air travel.”
Ryanair’s latest cost-saving plan, which is not yet confirmed, may meet with some resistance from passengers, all of whom recently lost traditional face-to-face check in after the budget carrier implemented an online-only process.
While choosing not to spend extra on food, drink or entertainment certainly qualifies in helping passengers save money, it’s unlikely that many will be thrilled at a charge related to performing one's ablutions.
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