This just in - Airline considers fee for lavatory use

[chartle]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/04/07/ryanair.lavatory.fee/index.html?eref=igoogle_cnn

Best quote

"Ryanair is determined to incentivise passengers to travel light this summer," spokesman Stephen McNamara said in a statement. The airline urged its passengers to avoid the fees by bringing carry-on bags only.

And of course if everyone goes to the toilet before getting on the plane thats so much less pee they have to transport.

so every time you go to the lavatory it is vitally important to get a receipt.*

*Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy

 

[jlewisinsyr]

RyanAir is a very low cost, budget carrier, this isn't particulary new news, rather, just a rehash of an existing idea that came about about a year ago I believe. This is the same airline that is considering a barstool style seat for all passengers. But people choose to fly them because they can offer the lowest base prices, giving people the ability to pick and choose the features/services they want. It's not right or wrong, just a different business model, one that works well for them (and their customers).

 

[PSUGuy]

What's the fee to break wind?

Bill From PA

 

[chartle]

What's the fee to break wind?

Bill From PA

They pay you since methane is lighter than air and will help lighten the load.

 

[Missish]

I was under the impression they already did charge to use the bathroom on RyanAir!

 

[sgtdisney]

Hmm, how far behind will Spirit Airlines be with this idea?

 

[justplaingoofy]

Hmm, how far behind will Spirit Airlines be with this idea?

Pretty soon Spirit will be charging passengers for the "possible use" of having to use a life jacket. Or an extra fee because your seat can also be used as a flotation device.

 

[Anjelica]

I saw this on the news last night and I was a bit taken aback by it. I know Ryan Air is a very low-cost budget airline but I thought of all the things that would be "sacred" it would be the lavatory - even for an Irish based airlines. Now if it was Alitalia or some "mainland" European airline I would understand it a "bit" more.

 

[Jillpie]

What's the fee to break wind?

Bill From PA

Omg Bill, awesome

 

[Jestocost]

Does anyone remember the Beverly Hillbillies episode where they bought and airline and went no frills, with benches and rope restraints instead of seats and seat belts, etc.?

Why does that seem less funny today?

 

[leebee]

Well, I remember a time when all public restrooms had a little machine on the stall door. You had to pay a dime to open the door to use the toilet, so this isn't really a new idea at all. In fact, I remember a time when stores didn't even HAVE public restrooms... so I guess now you all know how old I am

 

[goofy4tink]

You know....this is truly a tempest in a tea pot (or possibly a pee pot). They are talking about flights lasting an hour or less people!! Not about flights of 3 hrs. Surely you can go without a bathroom for an hour or so. If there is an urgent need, then pony of the money.

 

[DebbieB]

Well, I remember a time when all public restrooms had a little machine on the stall door. You had to pay a dime to open the door to use the toilet, so this isn't really a new idea at all. In fact, I remember a time when stores didn't even HAVE public restrooms... so I guess now you all know how old I am

I remember that too when I was a kid.

 

[artesian]

I remember that too when I was a kid.

I do too

 

[Anjelica]

You know....this is truly a tempest in a tea pot (or possibly a pee pot). They are talking about flights lasting an hour or less people!! Not about flights of 3 hrs. Surely you can go without a bathroom for an hour or so. If there is an urgent need, then pony of the money.

While I can somewhat agree I have to wonder if they will make exceptions. Say small children, elderly and/or those with disabilities.

 

[TiaMaria]

While I can somewhat agree I have to wonder if they will make exceptions. Say small children, elderly and/or those with disabilities.

Doubtful, because those are the people using the restroom the most on the flights I've been on.

 

[cm8]

can someone say lawsuit?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

can someone say lawsuit?

For what? There would be no discrimination, everyone would be aware that there is a cost and everyone would be charged equally.

 

[Tara]

I used to fly a route on Northwest in and out of my small hometown and the first leg was on a very small plane that didn't even HAVE a restroom. I'm sure there was many a passenger on that route who would have gladly paid for a restroom!

(Actually, once my DH and I - he was my BF at the time - were on this flight and a student of his was also on the flight. She was seated in front of us and turned to say she felt sick and asked where the restroom was. Nothing like flying on a small prop plane with someone puking right in front of you. )

 

[Wendy5055]

Was this the same airline that wanted to do away with bathrooms on the planes altogether? I remember the owner saying that people should be able to "hold it" for flights of 3 hours or less (something to that effect).

I would imagine a ton of business loss...I would never travel an airline that charged a fee for the toilet...not with a child.