RyanAir's Single-Toilet Flights are an Unfriendly Way to Cut Costs
Omar Yusuf — October 16, 2011 — World
References: consumerist & gizmodo
RyanAir continues to build upon its low-cost brand by taking well-intentioned, if not disastrous shortcuts in their services, and today, the company is drawing more attention to their unique airline with the announcement of single-toilet flights.
As it stands, FDA and international regulations prevent RyanAir from seating more than 189 passengers on the company's Boeing 737 aircraft. In an attempt to increase the number of spaces and raise per-flight revenue, the airline hopes to rip lavatories out of their planes, providing space for an extra six chairs, but leaving just one bathroom. That means 195 passengers would ostensibly share one toilet. Admittedly, RyanAir explains that the presence of additional seats would lower the fares of every passenger.
Though single-toilet flights are a bold marketing move, it certainly tests the patience of RyanAir's customers. Then again, when you're traveling from Moscow to Barcelona for $25, there's little room to complain.
As it stands, FDA and international regulations prevent RyanAir from seating more than 189 passengers on the company's Boeing 737 aircraft. In an attempt to increase the number of spaces and raise per-flight revenue, the airline hopes to rip lavatories out of their planes, providing space for an extra six chairs, but leaving just one bathroom. That means 195 passengers would ostensibly share one toilet. Admittedly, RyanAir explains that the presence of additional seats would lower the fares of every passenger.
Though single-toilet flights are a bold marketing move, it certainly tests the patience of RyanAir's customers. Then again, when you're traveling from Moscow to Barcelona for $25, there's little room to complain.
Trend Themes
1. Low-cost Airlines - There is a trend towards low-cost airlines like RyanAir that are willing to take bold and unconventional measures to cut costs and increase revenue.
2. Space Optimization - A trend in the airline industry is to find innovative ways to optimize space within the aircraft to accommodate more passengers and increase per-flight revenue.
3. Customer Patience Testing - Companies like RyanAir are pushing the boundaries of customer patience by offering unconventional services and amenities in exchange for low fares.
Industry Implications
1. Airline Industry - The airline industry is experiencing disruptive innovations such as low-cost carriers and novel approaches to optimize space within aircraft.
2. Travel and Tourism Industry - The travel and tourism industry is witnessing the rise of low-cost options that challenge traditional norms, appealing to budget-conscious travelers.
3. Consumer Goods Industry - The consumer goods industry can explore opportunities to develop innovative and more compact lavatory designs for space-constrained environments like single-toilet flights.
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