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Ryanair to Implement Standing Sections on Flights?

by Caleb Johnson on July 7, 2009 at 04:37 PM

It's no secret that folks are trying to pinch every penny they can these days -- even bigwigs like Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, who incidentally is no stranger to cutting costs in unique ways. (Remember, this is the guy who wanted to charge overweight passengers extra and make folks pay to use the airplane toilet.)

O'Leary is about to add one more idea to his 'cost-cutting greatest hits.' According to a report from the Telegraph, O'Leary recently contacted Boeing to discuss a plane design that would feature standing room for passengers (as if we didn't already feel like cattle at the airport). O'Leary says the 'standing' proposal, which has already been implemented by China's Spring Airline, would allow about 50-percent more space for passengers. By offering up bar stools equipped with seat belts, the Irish airline could cut costs by up to 20-percent. If the Irish Aviation Authority gives the idea a thumbs up, O'Leary says Ryanair, which offers cheap flights across Europe, will move ahead with plans.

This may not be a terrible idea: it sometimes feels like we barely get into our seats before it's time to unload anyway. Factor in the potential for cheaper ticket prices, and O'Leary just might have came up with his best idea yet. Let's just hope it stops here, though -- we really don't want to see anyone strapped to the wings. [From: Telegraph, via DVICE]

Tags: airlines, airplane, boeing, flight, recession, ryanair, top, transportation

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