Ryanair's toilet tax moves step closer to reality

Michael O'Leary, the chief executive of Ryanair, appears to be making good on his promise to charge passengers for using onboard toilets.

The controversial boss has a longstanding reputation for levity, prompting many to question the seriousness with which he raised the subject in February.

But after announcing the carrier's first ever annual loss earlier this week, Mr O'Leary now says that £1 coin slots on airplane toilets will become a reality.

Ryanair confirmed that profits nose-dived £145.9 million into the red this year, sparking fears of a new wave of revenue-generating measures.

Recent proposals have included charges for sick bags; a tax on overweight passengers; and the requirement that customers load their own bags onto aircraft. But the widely derided toilet fee now appears to be Mr O'Leary's preferred approach.

"I do believe we will start charging for toilet access," he said. "We are flying aircraft on an average flight time of one hour around Europe. What the hell do we need three toilets for?

"If you get rid of two [toilets] you can get six more seats on a 737."

The low-cost carrier recently abandoned plans to introduce a fat tax, arguing that it would be too disruptive to the check-in process. It already charges a mandatory £5 check-in fee; up to £19 per checked bag; and £52 for switching a flight.

© Cheapflights Ltd

Comments

[R Storey]

The rude and arrogant boss of Ryanair treats his customers with disdain. Passengers are like cattle on his flights. I for one will never travel on any of his so-called cheap flights again.

[Malcolm]

How about charging passengers an administration fee for collecting the charges?

[Daveo]

I have already decided to stop flying Ryanair after the latest charges (and we go away at least once a month being retired). A toilet charge would be the last straw for many. If that is introduced I would hope that when a flight is starting to board EVERY single passenger goes to the airport toilet, thereby delaying the flight. I now believe the alternative airlines are cheaper overall if you plan and book far enough in advance.

[Pete]

What happens when people decide to use empty water bottles to relieve themselves? Not a lot Ryanair can do about that is there?

[Y Tropiejko]

Perhaps the boss could consider improving the quality of the food on the plane. It is disgusting, e.g. burgers £5 - each overpriced and inedible.