Less money = less space

This seems to be European airline Ryanair‘s equation to justify why passengers on discount flights could soon hear the order “Please remain seated standing until the seat-belt sign has switched off”.

Ryanair also consulted Boeing about replacing the last ten rows of seats with 15 rows of vertical seats – and turn the back of the plane into a standing area.

The vertical seats are only one of a series of proposals by Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary (not to confuse with the Kiwi writer and poet!).

He also announced to plans to install coin-operated bathrooms.

Passengers would have to pay £1 (ca. NZ$ 2,20/€ 1,20) to use the on board toilet – a service, Mr O’Leary wants to encourage people to use at the airport rather than during the flight.

A year ago, the airline conducted a poll to find out if passengers would stand on planes if that would mean they’d fly for free.

The website does not show clear results or any form of response, however, Ryanair links to a highly entertaining YouTube video (see below).

“I’m taking out the seats ’cause I need more room and I don’t care if you’re pregnant,” sings Mr O’Leary.

CLICK LINK OR PIC TO WATCH THE VIDEO!

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE (unfortunately I was not able to embed it)

Yes, the video is entertaining. And I presume it is also good advertisement – in a sense that those who have seen it, won’t forget it in a hurry.

But on the other hand is this also quite likely bad publicity. I cannot speak for you, but on my behalf I have to say that I do not feel attracted by the tought of an airline that advertises with a song that clearly says the airline does not care about the passengers.

The song clearly states that a broken leg or a pregnant woman are no reason for an airline to ensure seating on their planes.

But seriously, an hour can be a bloody long time, when you have to stand in the very same position all the time. This can hardly be comfortable.Not for a “normal” person – but even less for a person with a broken leg, a pregnant woman, children, elderly, people with disabilities,…

- read the story on Stuff.co.nz

- read the story on the website of the SUN (UK)

What do you think?

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