Ryanair just won't stand for it!

I just love Ryanair. Partly because they court publicity with some of the most ridiculous ideas, but mainly because whatever people say about them, they're a very successful business. In fact, I struggle to think of another business with such a high profile that people badmouth and but continue to use.
It is being reported that the latest little gem from Ryanair is their supposed application for a standing room only section in their aircraft.

I assume that the passengers who were only allowed to stand would be stood at the back next to the "pay as you poo" toilets.
Apparently Ryainar went as far as making an application to one of the regulators for a test flight of an aircraft with a standing room section. Under the scheme, a Boeing 737-800 would be fitted out with 15 rows of seats and 10 rows of standing berths.
Michael O'Leary, the budget airline's chief executive, said: "We have asked the question could we run some trials on this and the immediate response is somewhat negative."

Taking a Stand

Reports suggest that the aircraft would be fitted with a similar layout to London underground trains where they have a ball and straps for people to hold onto.
He has even gone as far as setting out the pricing structure. The Ryanair boss said seated passengers would be charged £25 per ticket with standing customers paying between £1 and £5 for their fares on a flight that would take the average capacity of a flight from 189 passengers to 230.
Speaking at a press conference in London, O'Leary said he was undeterred by the knockback from the unnamed regulator, although he declined to comment on whether Ryanair had approached the US Federal Aviation Administration or the European Aviation Safety Agency. "I think ultimately it would happen," said O'Leary.

Upstanding Airline: an accident waiting to happen

I've got to say, that not for the first time, I disagree with O'Leary. I think the chances of this happening are slim. At the moment, the relevant law around accidents that happen in the air, or as you're embarking or disembarking is the Montreal Convention. It is quite a unique piece of legislation because it provides strict liability. That means that if an an aircraft accident happens, it's automatically the fault of the airline. There are a few exceptions to this law, but that is generally how it works.

If it did happen as O'Leary is planning, I think it would be quite good for my business because I have no doubt there would be more holiday accident claims, but not very good for the consumer who has to claim for holiday compensation rather than enjoy their holiday.
Whatever happens, O'Leary will continue to be good entertainment and I suspect people will still love to hate Ryanair, but also continue to help drive up their profits too!

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