I couldn’t resist this tidbit – Ryanair finally goes for its Standing Room Only air travel, according to The Telegraph (UK). Seats back in the upright position? Try “backs upright in the standing position!”
This decision has been bandied about for awhile; I caught wind of it last year (and was amused), thinking it was unlikely to… well, fly. But apparently that’s not the case. Ryanair plans to offer “vertical seats” in a standing room only capacity.
Some 250 planes will be outfitted with these special accommodations, and the price discussed is a mere £5 per ticket. You got it! That’s all. Just don’t forget – bring enough cash to pay for the toilet. That’s right. You’ll be charged for the loo.
- Is this smart business, or just crazy?
- Perfectly acceptable budget travel?
- Would you fly SRO?
Who knows. Maybe they’ll throw in a free calendar.
But I wouldn’t count on it.
No way! That’s insane. Really. I can kind of imagine doing it solo, I guess. On a short flight. But anything over 1.5 hours and anything with a child? No way.
When you look at the contraptions that you strap yourself into (check out the link), I’m guessing these are short flights. I can also imagine a 20-year old student taking advantage of this sort of thing. It’s dirt cheap, after all. But it’s one more means of dehumanizing us, somehow. We’re jammed into subways, jammed into buses, jammed on our highways at rush hour, and in this scenario – layered like sardines in a can, in the back of a plane?
This is clearly a concept for people without kids. Can’t imagine flying with my four year old standing. We have a hard enough time in a traditional airplane setting. Novel concept, but this traveler isn’t getting on.
I could take flight on your words today. Wonderful articulation of this phenom. I hope you’re submitting this somewhere.
Could be good for your posture. I wonder what Miss Manners would say?
I think that pay toilets concept is a little dicey, too. . . I’m thinking Miss Manners would take issue with that one, as well!
Wow. This is too much. I understand most of their flight are short (an hour?) and the price is right, but this seems to be taking things too far. The airline industry keeps going lower and lower, offering customers less and less for their money. I’ve heard there was a time when flying was luxurious, with meals actually served?! Can’t imagine what they’ll come up with next to decrease their cost and increase revenue.
Like I said on Twitter the airlines are determined to find more ways to make you pay more for less. Irritates me more than I can say.
In this case, it’s pay less for less, but I’m with you Jack and Eva – this strikes me as ridiculous.
There are always travelers standing back by the bathroom on a flight. Not everyone likes to sit. And for that cheap price? Heck, I’d stand!
Especially if the bikini model was standing there too… haha
For you, DM, she might autograph the Ryanair calendar!