U.K.'s Largest Low Cost Airline Considering Installing Pay Toilets

In the United States, airline passengers are being forced to pay additional charges for services that were free only a year ago such as seat selection, water, coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages, pillows and blankets and two carry on bags per passenger. If this is not bad enough, Ryanair, the United Kingdom's largest low cost airline is considering installing pay toilets on its planes. In a recent BBC interview, Michael O'Leary, the airline's CEO, said, "The airline was maybe thinking about putting a coin slot on the bathroom door." It is estimated that it will cost one British pound (the equivalent of about $1.45) to use the lavatory on the plane. A Ryanair public relations representative was quick to respond that the idea is being reviewed by company executives along with several others and there are no definite plans at this time to install pay toilets on their planes.

To make up for the rising fuel costs, many European airlines are following the examples set by the major U.S. airlines in charging its passengers additional fees for the basic amenities that were once free of charge. But, at what point is a low cost airline no longer worth the low cost price? In the U.S., passengers can once again carry drinks onboard if they are purchased beyond the security checkpoints. They can even bring their own pillow and blanket if they choose. And, they can check one bag and carry the other one on board to save the second bag fee. But, for many people, especially those traveling with children or those with medical issues, is it worth the discount to fly on an airline that charges you every time you need to use the lavatory? And, should using the lavatory be considered a convenience like a blanket or a bottle of water or is it a natural human necessity?

In light of Ryanair's potential plans to install pay toilets on its planes, and in an interesting twist to charging additional fees to passengers, U.S. Airways has done an about face, and announced that beginning on March 1 they will no longer charge passengers for non-alcoholic beverages in the coach cabin citing that the program was not helping to improve the airline's revenue the criticism was overshadowing the airlines overall performance in the industry. However, at the same time they announced they were returning to free beverages, the airline announced they will now be charging coach passengers $7.00 for a blanket and pillow re-packaged as a "Power-Nap Sack" that includes a sleeping mask and ear plugs.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29443510/ and http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/travelgetaways/18812558/detail.html