Stand up if you want free Ryanair flights

by Stevie Smith - Jul 6 2009, 15:45

It wasn’t long ago that Ryanair upset the in-flight applecart by announcing plans to introduce a passenger ‘fat tax’ and charge extra for toilet usage. However, in something of a radical about turn, the budget airline is now offering up completely free passage.

Free flights, no seats. Any takers? Image: bigpresh/Flickr.

Of course, there’s no such thing as ‘completely’ free in the world of business, and the caveat to this particular deal is that anyone willing to take advantage of free flights must also be willing to fly without a seat.Speaking with Sky News, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary this week revealed that the company is considering the introduction of free flights on shuttle journeys of up to one and half hours – on the condition that passengers either stand or rest against specially fitted stools for the duration. In order to gain adequate space for its cost-cutting ‘standing room only’ sections, O’Leary added that Ryanair aircraft offering the service would likely be deprived of their final five or six rows of passenger seats.“Why is this any different to what happens on trains where you see thousands of people who cannot get a seat standing in the isles,” said O’Leary, “and it happens regularly on the [London] Underground.”A spokesperson for Ryanair said that the budget airline’s non-seating plan is unlikely to become an official offer until the Irish Aviation Authority grants permission.The Tech Herald: Ryanair wants passengers to pee for a poundThe Tech Herald: American Airlines expands its in-flight Wi-Fi service Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter.Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group.

Comment on this Story

Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group
Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter

Comment on this Story

Note our older Talkback system is still running below. We hope to import existing comments into the new system shortly. Guest posting is still allowed, however, you can now login with any number of social network accounts.

Talkback

Add your comment (no registration required)

page: 1

MajJul 6th, 2009 - 18:21:27

Everyone who bought a seat, please fasten your safety belt for takeoff.

Everyone in the standing room only section? F you. We hope you die.

Report this comment

SteveR-TTHJul 6th, 2009 - 20:30:45

@Maj

That made my day. Thanks for that.

-Steve

Report this comment

AmusedJul 7th, 2009 - 12:32:36

Ryan Air will make their money out of this one by charging the relatives of the standees a 'scrape the corpse off the ceiling of the plane' charge.

A little late for April Fools is it not?

Report this comment

baebeJul 7th, 2009 - 16:34:20

i can't imagine that journalist always fall into the trap. Oleary is really good to manipulate media.

Report this comment

TFordJul 10th, 2009 - 18:24:31

Hey if I can get from Stockholm to Berlin for free, I'll stand!

Report this comment

page: 1

Add your comment (no registration required)