Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s controversial chief executive, has stopped short of suggesting a Dutch style ‘wee bag’ system but has announced plans to remove all but one of the toilets on his planes to allow for six more seats.
Ryanair currently has the one aircraft type, a Boeing 737-800, and has installed 189 seats on each plane, the maximum allowed under current rules. Incidentally, airlines are under no legal obligation to provide lavatories on aircraft. O´Leary has to try and persuade Boeing to recertify the aircraft for six more seats if his idea is to be pursued.
O´Leary added that the average ticket price would be reduced by£2 by getting rid of the extra loos. He would then, no doubt, come up with some compulsory scheme or other to get the two quid back.
The last idea from O’Leary, a plan to charge for using the loo, was abandoned after a huge public outcry.
With only one loo on a four hour flight, you wouldn’t want Gerard Depardieu booked on your flight.