More importantly what will be the fine if you don't make it or choose to not make it to the pay bathroom?

Posted By Iolaire McFadden on February 27, 2009, 2:05 PM

"no legal requirement for an aircraft to have a toilet on board."

The FAA defines an unruly passenger as:
"An individual in an area within a commercial service airport in the United States who, by assaulting a Federal, airport, or air carrier employee who has security duties within the airport, interferes with the performance of the duties of the employee or lessens the ability of the employee to perform those duties..."

Therefore, by Ryanair's logic, urinating in place seems perfectly legitimate.

Posted By D Burke on February 27, 2009, 4:23 PM

Yea, right! Can't you see the "fun" when the drunk Irish and Brits have to "go" and are required to pay? If you think soccer games can be raucous, just consider what an adventure the flight home will be.

Posted By primus pilus on February 28, 2009, 7:09 PM

Surely this violates ADA!

Posted By Cindy H on February 28, 2009, 9:00 PM

The very IDEA of this is a threat to human decency. Simply because one can afford the airfare doesn't conclude that they should have to pay for every creature comfort for the ever so VAST "privilege" of riding on that airline's plane (which can be delayed by the airline/airport without a corresponding refund to the consumer I might add). Seriously, this is probably the single-worst idea I have ever heard. What next? Restaurants charging for their restrooms? The idea is tacky, indecent, and might I suggest, INHUMANE.

Posted By A Zeigler on March 1, 2009, 9:49 PM

As I said on my blog on Friday (http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/blogs/wandermom/2009/02/27/more-ryanair-madness/), this is INSANITY.

I've flown while pregnant and repeatedly with children under 3. In either of those situations, I'm pretty sure I'd violate the Ryanair carryon baggage limits with the weight of all the pound coins I'd have to carry to be sure I wouldn't get caught out and not be able to go to the toilet.

Posted By wandermom on March 2, 2009, 12:06 AM

Ryanair charges such reasonable fares, only a fraction of other airlines, people should be glad to pay the potty fee.

Posted By Sue on March 2, 2009, 10:17 AM

I think a better idea would be to charge passengers for every instance of getting up from their seats between boarding and take-off to pull stuff from their carry-ons. My international 8-hour flight last year left an hour late because people wouldn't sit their butts down and wait until we hit cruising altitude to get their bleeping magazines and ipods out from the overheads. We had ample time ahead of us to fish around in our bags for personal amusements.
Or perhaps, as a trade, those of us who stay seated until after take-off could be allowed to pee free-of-charge into the carry-on bags of those who delay take-off.

Posted By thepixinator on March 2, 2009, 10:30 AM

As a business model, I think this idea will put Ryanair in the proverbial toilet.

Posted By Shannon Doyle on March 2, 2009, 11:10 AM

I'd be happy to pay to pee if, and only if the airlines would keep the toilets clean. But that would be a tall order given that on our flights from Dallas to various destinations in Europe, we find that the Mideastern and some Asian passengers evidently don't know what a potty is for or what toilet tissue is used for. Most pee on the floor and for those that use toilet tissue disposal is the floor!

A 10 hour flight under these conditions is a total disaster.

Posted By Peter Friedmann on March 2, 2009, 11:26 AM

A few years ago on a flight out of Tibet a mother in the seat next to me had her young son pee on the floor while standing on her lap.

It wasn't that bad, really.

Posted By Jim on March 2, 2009, 12:11 PM

I guess that's why God made foley catheters and catheter bags....who needs a toilet when you have your own "carry on luggage"...as long as it doesn't go over the weight limitations, whats the problem??...might as well invest in a colostomy bag or two while im thinking ahead...this just plain stinks...never knew that air-toileting was so dang expensive...this logical line of thinking and anything akin to it makes any mode of transportation BUT air travel a more cost-effective option...last i heard, eliminating waste was generally a controllable by learned behavior natural bodily function....(unless, of course, you no longer can)...Mr Airline CEO, please bring back my basic right to pee freely...

Posted By steelydanfan on March 2, 2009, 12:37 PM

If they are so desperate to shill a dollar by charging to use the loo, I wonder what other things RA deems unnecessary eg. aircraft maintenance.

Posted By Stephi D. on March 2, 2009, 12:46 PM

Years ago many airports had pay toilets, they started to disappear when people would pee in the washbasin. If people are supposed to act civilized then pay toilets give them a reason not to.

Posted By Steve on March 2, 2009, 12:51 PM

It's tempting to take a shot at RyanAir. So, don't hold back, especially when they throw some red meat into our cages.

But, it's really like any other shopping. You compare the total price for RyanAir with the total price for its competitors. Of course, if this potty deal goes through, you'd factor in the extra cost.

Maybe they can offer gradations of rest room amenities. The cheapest would be the usual filthy and tiny rest room. The high end would be clean, with a toilet you can fit on, and room to move around a bit. Maybe even a shower.

Posted By Jack on March 2, 2009, 12:58 PM

If I ever have to pay a fee to use the bathroom, I feel sorry for the cleaning staff and other passengers.

I plan on getting my money's worth...

Posted By Tino on March 2, 2009, 1:14 PM

I can't believe that comment by Peter Friedmann about the Mideastern and Asian travelers who don't know how to use the toilet. Seems like a racist comment to me rather than a comment on the developed verses developing countries and cultural differences.

I have seen many an American carrier with mostly if not all American passengers with very disgusting toilets on board, so I don't think its only those Mideasterner and Asians mucking up the toilet.

Common decency is to wipe down the toilet if you miss and to wipe down the sink if you mess.

Posted By ladysculler on March 2, 2009, 1:15 PM

Someone has truly lost their mind. If they need another $2 raise the the fare a dollar(not everyone uses the bathroom). Can't imagine anything causing more ill will toward a company. What if a person is sick? They have to fish around for a pound? This whole thing must be a joke or an ad campaign.

Posted By Tom Baker on March 2, 2009, 1:24 PM

Sounds like sales of the "Sneaky-Leaker" should rise sharply if this becomes common! Perhaps they will begin selling them in the airport gift shops. LOL

Posted By AliG on March 2, 2009, 1:53 PM

For someone like me with a bladder the size of a lima bean, I would spend more $$ going to toilet on any flight over 1 hr than would be worth the savings. I'd splurge on the next higher-priced airline just to be able to use toilet whenever I need it!!

Posted By wendfish on March 2, 2009, 2:36 PM

The bathroom is not worth anything if you do not have to use it, but it is worth a golden coin if you have to go really bad.

Posted By WhackyWaco on March 2, 2009, 2:40 PM

I say, there is more room in the bathroom than your coach seat. Pay the pound and STAY in there for the whole flight. There will be no one coughing in your face, you have more room, and you only have to pay once. At any rate, I won't be hurrying to let those, if any, in line into the bathroom. Take in a little pillow, close the lid, and get comfy! And another thought...maybe this is Ryanair's way of getting people to refuse a soft drink or coffee?

Posted By Diana Brueckner on March 2, 2009, 2:59 PM

Ryanair is a European airline, correct? Therefore the ADA and FAA rulings would have no bearing on their decisions. Also, Ryanair is a no-frills, super low-cost airline. My husband flew to London, England, from Eindhoven, The Netherlands for 20 euros. (He didn't use the toilet, btw. :-P )

Ryanair makes their money by charging for "luxuries" like checking bags and charging fees for priority boarding and any changes. If they want to slap a 1 euro charge on people for using the toilet, I say go for it. If you don't want to pay for it, use a more expensive airline.

Posted By El's Belle on March 2, 2009, 3:01 PM

This is the most ridiculous thing I've heard in an era of airline cutbacks. If this jack a-- thinks he's bringing some kind of positive attention to his company for making this proposal, he's a moron. Due to his statement and overall lack of judgment with regards to his company's P.R., I will NOT be flying with RyanAir now, or in the future. I don't care if I or my company must pay double for the same fare. I also hope that his passengers opt not to use pay toilets and instead use his planes as one large flying public toilet!

Posted By Jennifer S. on March 2, 2009, 3:27 PM

If any airline implements anything like this, they better make sure their sick bags are waterproof ! ;)

Posted By Steve on March 2, 2009, 3:44 PM

Can you imagine the odor when we all just defecate and urinate on the floor of that flight?

Posted By Rick on March 2, 2009, 3:47 PM

How ridiculous. If Ryanair would actually be that foolish, they better be prepared for people to use their plane seats as bathrooms. Charging someone to use a restroom when they are flying on your airline is about as low as a company can go. What next? Charging you extra to get to your destination on time? If you need to raise the ticket prices do it, but stop charging people for every little thing on a plane.

Posted By Vickie on March 2, 2009, 4:24 PM

My son has suggested that if Ryanair really wants to make some money they should feed people something that causes "severe intestinal distress"!

Posted By Barbie on March 2, 2009, 4:57 PM

Someone seems to have a little bit too much time on his hands, like the CEO of Ryan Air. You do get what you pay for and it seems to me that if you pay for nothing you get Ryan Air. Frankly, my 60 year bladder is worth more to me than a cheap plane ticket and a bladder or kidney infection.

Watch out, next it'll 2 pounds sterling for a barf bag.

Posted By Claire on March 2, 2009, 5:00 PM

Are you sure this wasn't something thought up by USAirways???

Posted By FinnSailor on March 2, 2009, 5:08 PM

Ryanair leaves us 2 choices: Either choose another airline or pee on the floor.

Posted By Daniel J. Vandeberg on March 2, 2009, 5:34 PM

My only concern with paying a fee for toilet use is: what happens when the coin/dollar slot malfunctions? What then? Would a customer be expected to lose their money in the coin slot like you do in some vending machines while at the same time not getting what you paid for? How frustrating! In the interim between the airstaff fixing the machine, a person could very well end up peeing on themselves -- especially children.

Hmmm, just a thought.

Posted By Zey Tavia on March 2, 2009, 5:48 PM

How did the old pay-toilet poem go ? "Here I sit, all broken hearted..."
Well,a metal detector would not pick up a small plastic container with a tube taped to one's leg going down to the instep of one's shoe to be let go of at a strategic time when one was standing near the door to a toilet. I think if two or three people did that, it would discourage the idea for good!

Posted By IndyMo on March 2, 2009, 5:52 PM

omg. an idea even worse than allowing people to use their cell phones on planes. just raise the fare $2 for everyone and be done with it. are they kidding?

Posted By jmv on March 2, 2009, 6:12 PM

The whole idea is obsurd. Aren't consumers at all tired of being nickeled and dimed to death in order to provide larger profits for the already rich and greedy?

STOP flying Ryanair altogether and give your business to any one of their competitiors. In doing this you will most assuredly send a giant message of disatisfaction to Ryanair, and you will be able to travel to your destination with the assurance of peeing n pooping as often as necessary free of charge.

Posted By Barbara on March 2, 2009, 7:41 PM

Well, we knew sooner or later, this would happen. Guess I won't be riding with Ryanair anytime soon, or ever. Really...are they so starved for publicity that any publicity will do?

Posted By Lili on March 2, 2009, 7:41 PM

That's what happens when you get a bunch of idiots sitting up in their ivory tower trying to figure out how to drag a few more dollars out our wallets. Like some writers said, just charge $2.00 more and forget about the coin-operated potties. Maybe they should put the coin-operated potties up in that ivory tower and let those bozos experience first-hand the "fun" of it all? Carrying a pocket full of coins around and hoping that the slot won't jam up when they are in a hurry?

Posted By PCJ on March 2, 2009, 8:05 PM

I saw this on the Nightly news on NBC and my reaction is "WHAT?" This could get disgusting.....How cheap can an airline get. And to think I am of Irish descent-I am so disappointed!

Posted By Beth on March 2, 2009, 8:38 PM

Save yourself a buck and pee on their seats. Much easier!

Posted By Carol McLean on March 2, 2009, 8:43 PM

I think we should start to bring a PEE Bottle and wear diapers when we travel. Imagine the smells! Yuck! Basic necessities should be free. Will they start selling the air space around our seats? This is really ridiculous!

Posted By Bonnie in ATL on March 2, 2009, 9:00 PM

This is so ridiculous. Just the cost of clean up on accidents alone will make everyone "up in the air" very disturbed. Your new company slogan should read: Ryanair, the only accident-prone airline that offers free gas masks and hand gloves for every passenger.

Seriously, I think that is an insult to every human being who has a need to "detoxify" oneself.

Posted By Mac on March 2, 2009, 9:28 PM

Strictly a publicity stunt & a stupid, negative one at that. The backlash from customers who won't pay, or the people who can't climb out of the seats & over a couple of people fast enough, or don't have change, etc. would leave the planes a horrific unsanitary mess.

As for all the just pee in your seats, outside the bathroom, etc. - all these comments seem to be about men. are women going to strip in their seat & manage to turn around & hope they hit only the floor? Or better yet, strip in the aisle to get relief.

For the women who do choose to pay & go - can't you just see being stuck behind the person digging in their bag or pockets looking for change?

Never going to happen on any airline.

Posted By CBC on March 2, 2009, 10:09 PM

Ryan Air will implement the policy and then do a cost benefit analysis and decide that nobody is paying to use the toilets so they will rip them out and put in more seats to get the extra revenue from flying customers. Come to think about it, isn't that what we call a bus?

Posted By James on March 2, 2009, 10:16 PM

Might I suggest that people who have to go but can't afford it...just pee on the floor. That ought to get their attention. A couple of times with urine soaked carpet would make everyone exit the plane. Betcha they would get the message.

Posted By Nickie Stevens on March 2, 2009, 10:25 PM

So, per this logic, a sensible extension is, when I rent a hotel room for the night, I should find a coin operated meter on the bathroom door?

Posted By Dean on March 2, 2009, 10:28 PM

My mom and I were discussing this yesterday. I think that it is horrible for someone to charge you for a need, we need to use the restroom. OK, so we don't need to buy their snacks, we have the option to bring our own. I told my mom that if that became the case, I would not feel bad if I either used the bathroom in my seat, used a Depends, or (my personal favorite) bring a potty with me and set it up in the aisle and do my business.

Posted By L on March 2, 2009, 10:37 PM

As a plus, it will be easy to access to lavatory/bathroom/loo, since the footballers will have immediately torn the door, clean off. ;-)

Oxygen masks may be required though; once they realise the door is in the way, they will blow the hatch on the aircraft, so everyone will be able to pee in the ocean, then, eh? lol

I do wonder what the airline's liability is though, when people get pissed-off (sorry, couldn't help myself) and pee in the electrics, shorting out the navigational system? What a world we live in!

Posted By Pete on March 2, 2009, 10:38 PM

I have never flown RyanAir. I probably never will. I'm one of those poeple who are fortunate enough to be able to afford business class when I want to go somewhere, HOWEVER:

If they want to start charging for large and small bodily needs then they need to make the darn toilets at least 2-3 times larger than they are. The average human can barely fit into them and actually sitting down/taking care of business is difficult at best.

Then they can take the profits they plan to make and hire an attendant who will thoroughly clean the toilet room after EACH AND EVERY in-flight use. The cost of this might teach them a little lesson.

Or we can do as so many other people suggested and not fly this toilet of an airline!

Posted By Albert on March 3, 2009, 1:30 AM

Strictly a publicity stunt & a stupid, negative one at that. The backlash from customers who won't pay, or the people who can't climb out of the seats & over a couple of people fast enough, or don't have change, etc. would leave the planes a horrific unsanitary mess.

As for all the just pee in your seats, outside the bathroom, etc. - all these comments seem to be about men. are women going to strip in their seat & manage to turn around & hope they hit only the floor? Or better yet, strip in the aisle to get relief.

For the women who do choose to pay & go - can't you just see being stuck behind the person digging in their bag or pockets looking for change?

Never going to happen on any airline.

Posted By CBC on March 3, 2009, 2:18 AM

While US Airways has decided to offer free drinks again, RyanAir is going to charge you for services that should be basic and free. Well, there are other carriers, so don't fly with RyanAir if they are going to penalize you further.

Posted By Bernd on March 3, 2009, 4:25 AM

as a publicity stunt this is genius - a quick survey of the comments above - many passengers are willing to see a $2 price increase in Ryanair's fares- and as someone once said - there is no such yhing as bad publicity - anyone who flew Ryanair AT ALL did so only because of the low fare - they won't pay to put new doors/ coinslots on the bathrooms - and all this publicity is free - now they can increase all the fairs by 50 pence and everyone with thnk its great

Posted By jasonmitchell on March 3, 2009, 9:07 AM

also - there is a cultural difference here that Americans may not be aware of - Many public washrooms in Europe are not free - in addition most of Ryanair's flights are within Europe - short hops - not 8-9 hour transatlantic- Ryanair won't go through with this because it will cost more than it generates - but that is almost beside the point - this is a publicity stunt to make fare increases not loook so bad

Posted By jasonmitchell on March 3, 2009, 9:14 AM

Consider they may just be targeting a different demographic. If the plane is full of single young adult backpackers that are taking their 20th flight that year the people board, sit, and sleep off the night before for the 2-3 hours between cities. The people pack light, know how to board in 15 min, don't hassle with anything once in the air and no kids to deal with.

I would consider flying on a pay toilet flight just so it reduces the people who climb over me when I'm sleeping - and sleeping on an 11 hour trans-pacific flight is completely possible.

Posted By Ness on March 3, 2009, 4:55 PM

Ryanair recently announced its intention to begin allowing passengers to use their cellphones during flight. Can you imagine the noise level as legions of jabbering morons holler to make themselves heard on their cellphones over the engine noise and voices of their competing seatmates. Sleeping on a long flight would be impossible. This would be the ultimate nightmare, even worse than paying for the loo.

Posted By calvin on March 4, 2009, 12:23 AM

I told my husband that I would pleasantly ask the hostess for a cup and pee in it a few times---- than when she walkd by hand it back to her---piping hot. I mean how freakin' rude is this policy? I have 4 kids--one of whom has to go every 30 minutes and no--I am not kidding. That's alot of change to cart onto a dingdong plane to go to the stinkin' toilet!!

Posted By nicole on March 4, 2009, 12:31 AM

I think this is unrealistic. In the case of an airline flight, you must offer people the opportunity to relieve themselves. It's not like they can go elsewhere. "Excuse me. Could you land the plane so I can find a free toilet?" It poses a health hazard.
I also don't like the fact that airlines are selling meals like barters at a sporting event. "Peanuts, popcorn!" I've noticed that people are opting to purchase a lunch before boarding and then carry it on. I've sat beside people on several occassions who brought plastic cutlery on board with their meal. I thought that was illegal post-9/11. Nice to know you can't carry a plastic knife through security but you can purchase a meal that includes one before you board the plane!

Posted By Penny G on March 4, 2009, 8:13 PM

pity the crew; pilots and flight attendants.

does the airline provide the tokens for each???

and if separate facilities for the crew, how many kidnappings are allowed per flight???

understand they may have the same needs??? unless they are the 7 figure executives, who are immune to such trivial functions.

Posted By tom on March 4, 2009, 10:32 PM

I believe charging to use the toilet is a scam. I would ask for an airsick bag, do my business and hand it to the stewartess and see how long charging would last.

Posted By Fillup on March 5, 2009, 4:45 PM

How much would I pay to use a restroom on a plane? Depends on how bad I need to use one....I suppose I'd pay up to a buck or two. The thing is...I always drink a lot of water on flights because one gets dehydrated being cooped up in an airplane for hours. So naturally, what goes in must come out, right? Seriously, let's face it: the airlines are going to charge passengers for any little thing they can. Next, they'll charge us for breathing or charge us for bringing our own food on to the plane. Just wait and see......

Posted By su kobbe on March 5, 2009, 5:22 PM

I've always wanted to pee in one of those puke bags before.

Posted By JZA on March 5, 2009, 5:25 PM

If they charge for using a bathroom, passengers must have the right to charge the airlines per minute for any delays. I'll bet I could afford to fly a lot more often and use the bathroom a lot and make money at the same time!

Posted By Reon on March 5, 2009, 8:10 PM

If you don't have the correct change you might consider using the floor in front of the restroom ... or in front of your seat (if the remaining flight won't be all that lengthy) ... or, better yet, how's bout the floor in front of the restroom right behind the cockpit? At least now RyanAir would have the cash to clean it up.

Posted By Del on March 5, 2009, 11:44 PM

I haven't used Ryanair in a while because they land at airports that are so far away from most destinations, that the cost require for transportation to the destination is almost equal to another airlines ticket to the bigger airport. However, I live in Europe and there are plenty of other budget airlines that are equivalent or better to Ryanair and they are not talking about charging for the bathroom. I definitely will not use Ryanair if they choose to do this.

Posted By DBD on March 6, 2009, 2:22 AM

how much extra fuel do you suppose the plane will use if every passenger carried 2 rolls of quarters aboard every flight ?

Posted By paul on March 6, 2009, 7:20 PM

Why not just charge more for the beer?

Posted By toddkmeadows on March 7, 2009, 11:15 AM

How many people will start using Depends adult diapers during flights??? OMG won't that smell sweet!
What will Ryanair suggest next purchase your breathing AIR during your flight?

I think the pay toilet idea sucks! It's not at all customer friendly!

Posted By Sharon on March 8, 2009, 5:47 PM

So.....they keep you on the tarmac for 6 hours and charge for the bathroom? Could be their very own stimulus package!

Posted By Nancylee Mudd on March 9, 2009, 11:17 AM

It's despicable. But beyond that, unbelievable that they don't see how insulting that is and how that will offend customers. Maybe it's just a publicity stunt to get their name out there.

Posted By Cindi on March 9, 2009, 2:32 PM

We could start using those NASA urine retention pads.

Posted By Frank Hochman on March 10, 2009, 6:38 PM

The next step might really get people worked up, but I'm sure someone is thinking about it already. Why not charge for the SEATS? Sure you paid to get on board and get taken to Rio, but that's just for standing room. You want luxury, rent a seat!

Scriven

Posted By Scriven on March 12, 2009, 10:52 PM

If it upsets some of you people THAT much that you would even CONSIDER using the floor for the bathroom instead of paying to use the plane's restroom, then put your money where your mouth is and don't fly Ryanair! It's that simple. If enough people get their knickers in a twist and refuse to fly with Ryanair, Ryanair will undoubtedly notice it in their bottom line and have second thoughts about charging for the on-board restroom. There's safety in numbers and also STRENGTH in numbers!

Posted By su on March 16, 2009, 1:13 PM

After reading every post here, and realizing that probably no one else but crazy people like me is going to read my reply, I decided to keep it relatively short:
1. 99 per cent of those who have posted before are spoiled American sociopaths with relatively high incomes compared to the masses, who didn't even stop to think that we always pay for the toilet in a plane because it takes up space that could be used for a seat.
2. As one of the few sane people noted,RyanAir is a short haul airline that caters to the masses. Therefore there is little need for a toilet.
3. If you have an "emergency" you pay a pound.Deal with it. If you're such a pig that you'd rather mess yourself than spend money while still paying less than you would on a "full service" airline, what does that say about you?
4. to paraphrase one poster "it sounds like a bus". Exactly. but the three hours spent on RyanAir gets you 3000km instead of 300km for about the same price. How about that?
4. Everyone who posted here can afford a computer.
etc. Get a grip everyone. This is a perfectly valid idea, and I guarantee you that Ryan will have more people paying than boycotting because of it.

Posted By oldleftie on March 23, 2009, 11:45 AM

I GUESS THEY HAVE TO PAY THEIR MECHANICS SOMEHOW.

Posted By COL JIM on April 14, 2009, 7:27 AM

I think some posters here actually can't really afford air travel with or without RyanAir's bathroom charge.My suggestion would be,stay where you are because I wouldn't want to be in an airplane with you anyway, if you have to become uncivilized.
If RyanAir really charges for their bathroom use they might lose some business from certain passengers,such as elderly people or families with small children.But at least RyanAir is thinking of ways to cut their costs instead of whining about their losses and begging the government to bail them out like some airlines (and banks and car manufacturers but that's another story...)here in the USA have done but at the same time managed to raise airfares and cut services.
I personally would use the bathroom before departure and then limit my fluid and food intake during the flight to the minimum.Given the current realities as far as airplane bathrooms go it is not exactly the most pleasing experience even it is free of charge.
Simply raising the airfares would get the same people complaining about RyanAir.
I hope that they go through with it,because those that are offensive towards others will simply disappear from air travel and make the trip for the rest of us civilized people more pleasant.

Posted By Andy on September 3, 2009, 10:23 PM