Pay toilets coming to an airline near you?
By James Havers, Sympatico / MSN Finance
Air travellers were thrown a curve Friday when Ryanair boss suggested that future passengers might be obligated to insert a British pound coin before using their toilets.
“One thing we have looked at in the past, and are looking at again, is the possibility of maybe putting a coin slot on the toilet door, so that people might have to actually spend a pound to ‘spend a penny' in future,” Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said, using slang for relieving one's self.
One can bet that airlines around the world were listening. O'Leary is one of Ireland's richest people, and widely credited with refining the low-cost airline model developed by Southwest airlines. He pioneered, among other innovations, the concept of charging airline customers to check bags.
However, O'Leary is also known to speak off the cuff, so analysts were questioning his motives on Friday.
The move, if carried through, might come back to harm his airline. Isn't it conceivable that passengers would turn their noses up at paying for an alcoholic drink, knowing it would speed a trip to the restroom? Ryanair would be sacrificing big money on alcohol sales for small change on toilet fares. Unlikely, but still possible.
Which brings us to our own airlines.
Air Canada's loss for 2008 topped $1 billion, brought on by fuel price volatility and the worsening global economy. The company expects to achieve cost savings through increased fuel efficiency as well as a 2.5%-3.5% reduction in capacity.
Profits in Canada's airline industry are expected to drop 86% in 2009, according to a recent report from the Conference Board of Canada.
In the face of deteriorating conditions, Canadian airlines will be knocking on any door trying to drum up additional revenues.
So it stands to question, will the door to the restroom be safe?
Posted by: Joe | Feb 27, 2022 4:42:50 PM
What happens if you dont have change? lol waiting for refuel could be messy
Posted by: Tape1 | Feb 27, 2022 4:49:43 PM
Ugghhh....That stinks.
Posted by: Eddie Mllin | Feb 27, 2022 5:07:27 PM
What next? Will we have to start tipping pilots so they are adequately compensated. Suggest 20% for a pilot who can ditch a plane in the Hudson. 15% for greasing it on the runway. 10% for a heavy landing.
Every one likes low airfares but safety is paramount. All de-regulation has done is de-regulate maintenance, pilot experience. Will we get a refund if we use the washroom on a turbulent flight?
Posted by: Jason | Feb 27, 2022 5:16:05 PM
I'd be dropping a deuce in an empty seat before I pay to use the throne. What has this world come to?
Posted by: Charlene Paulgaard | Feb 27, 2022 5:22:26 PM
What happens if a small child gets ill, or has to use the washroom in a hurry! Excuse me while I get some change my dear! Ya! as if--daa!
Posted by: Bob | Feb 27, 2022 5:36:54 PM
I swear these large corporations,... and the idots the dream up this stuff are going to take down the world, frist the financial people.... second the auto industry, and now paying for washrooms on airlines... I say pee in a cup and give it too the stewardess .
Posted by: richard | Feb 27, 2022 5:59:11 PM
Did you ever wonder how the jitterbug dance was cheorographed?
A Scot was needing to use the pay toilet and did not want to pay to use it.
What next..... are going to have to bring on board our own TP, too? I have an idea, I will bring with me ten rolls of TP and sell it by the piece. All flight crews need not pay..... they will not be allowed to purchase the TP. It looks as if they will need to recycle and reuse.
Posted by: dawn | Feb 27, 2022 6:56:07 PM
what next everyone is money hungry dont they think they charge enough to fly now pay to use the toilet well guess there will be alot of kids peeing themselves if they dont have change get real
Posted by: Barry | Feb 27, 2022 7:47:16 PM
LMAO and next one can imagine that the damn coin gets STUCK IN THE SLOT....because someone else used a slug instead....and where would everyone be THEN??? Holy crap doesn't begin to describe.....
Posted by: EDWARD LENKOV | Feb 27, 2022 8:38:54 PM
This could lead to all kinds of complications,For example.If you eat the airline food sold on the flight,
Ryanair would have a virtual bonanza of revenue,for Loo charges.
Will they charge according to the types of bowel movements.
Will First Class get 3ply toilet paper,and economy 1ply.Can we prebook toilet space with our
reservation,another excellent revenue opportunity.
Will passengers declaring they have diarrhea,get a discounted pass called"Flush with us".
Ryanairs new slogan will be "Your toilet in the sky"
Another excellent idea to win over customers who are already constipated from there other
services.
Posted by: Not Getting my $$$ | Feb 27, 2022 9:23:25 PM
Bring a CUP or empty water bottle!
Posted by: Austin Mayo | Feb 27, 2022 10:00:25 PM
How about this: IF you want to take off or land in Canada your aircraft washrooms must remain free. Case closed.
Posted by: joe | Feb 27, 2022 10:12:42 PM
Would a bedpan be acceptable as a carry on??????
Posted by: Matthew | Feb 27, 2022 10:46:54 PM
Public Urination will occur in the airport!
Posted by: matter of principle | Feb 27, 2022 11:58:08 PM
sign me up for the "mile high poop n scoop" club!!
if i see a coin slot on the washroom door, i'm still gonna do my thing.
only not where they want.
and then charge them for my version of airplane food. i'll even bag it.
Posted by: vanana | Feb 28, 2022 7:04:27 PM
like the other made a comment: bring a cup or bottel orpee in a cup and bring it back to LOOSERS!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: vanana | Feb 28, 2022 7:05:44 PM
like the other made a comment: bring a cup or bottel orpee in a cup and bring it back to LOOSERS!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: MK | Feb 28, 2022 10:15:33 PM
Just get minivans and minibusses marked "NEW AIRLINES" for interprovincial travel. With the time spent at the departure and arrival airport, many flights could be altogether avoided. You could buy a lot of minivans for the cost of one jet. Much more affordable travel and of course MUCH better on the environment. Anything on the ground saves a fortune as compared to anything on air. Also, in the current sate of 7 or 8 pasenger van sales, you'd be doing the auto industry a GREAT service, and you'd get a HUGE discoutn if you bought up all the sittign inventory. Whatver you call it, New Air, Air Canada Ground or a new name altogether would be fine. Busses are not the same thing at all, and the new minivans could offer point to point picku and return to help make more money, save the environment even more, and save customers who woudl have had to pay an expensive cab fare or hefty fee to park their own car either way. Of course you coudl advetise the airline or the ground service on the vans.
Posted by: mm | Mar 1, 2022 7:20:21 PM
Give me a break!!!
Posted by: cooler | Mar 2, 2022 11:13:51 AM
In YVR alone AC spends over $175,000 in wages and equipment a year to service the toilets.