Report: Discount airline eyeing new revenue ideas
July 2, 2010, 06:49 pm
A recent media report is offering a glimpse at what could become an interesting new trend in the aviation industry - if it can pass safety regulations first.
In response to the struggling world economy, airlines have already implemented a number of measures to enhance their revenues, from new customer fees to scaling back in-flight food service to flying planes with lighter loads of fuel.
Now, a report in the UK's Telegraph newspaper says that British discount airline Ryanair is floating a proposal that would charge passengers a small amount to use the restroom while also allowing people to pay less for what is described is "vertical seats" that would be located in a rear standing area.
According to the report, safety testing will be performed next year on the standing room idea, although a spokesman for Britain's Civil Aviation Authority was quoted as saying he doesn't know how Ryanair would get around existing regulations requiring passengers to have seat belts on during takeoff and landing.
Airlines are likely to continue being creative as they seek to replace revenues that were lost during the recession. However, a better fiscal climate may be on the horizon amid indications that business travel and tourism have both been on the upswing.
Are you covered? Are you overpaying? Find out! Get a Quote Now!
| 
