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Coming Soon: Pay-to-go toilets on your next flight?!

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Coming Soon: Pay-to-go toilets on your next flight?!

Posted by Tracy Stewart on Friday, February 27, 2009

As airlines began dreaming up one fee after another last year, our running joke became, "What's next? Coin slots on the toilets?" Apparently, yes, that is what's next. Michael O'Leary, CEO of Irish low cost carrier Ryanair, expressed interest in the idea during an interview with the BBC this morning. Says Mr. O'Leary, "Not everyone uses the toilet on board one of our flights, but those who do could help reduce airfares for all passengers." Given the widespread abuse of carry-on allowances now that checked baggage fees are the norm, we shudder to think what effect a toilet fee might have. 

Anyhoo, just be sure to carry a few extra pounds in your pocket the next time you fly Ryanair, as a "meeting in the ladies room" will set you back a whole £1.

Other ideas being tossed around at Ryanair include scrapping airport check-in in favor of online check-ins only, and providing baggage drops. And beginning this October, the airline will introduce their first carry-on luggage only flights.

So, what do you think? Would you fly an airline with a pay-to-go toilet if it meant lower fares? Or is this the lamest idea you've ever heard? Comment below.

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Absolutely not! That is the most ridiculous, descriminatory idea I've ever heard of! So what happens to the poor elderly woman or man who cannot hold their bladder very long and needs to use the restroom every 15-30 minutes? Vs the young man who can hold his bladder all day? Or what if you have a bladder infection or other bladder or bowel disorder? You have to pay more for this? So everyone be prepared with some very large adult diapers. Then when you have filled them up, remove them and hand them off to the poor flight attendant!
by erispence on Thursday, April 16, 2009
Excuse me. Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.
I am from Brazil and learning to speak English, tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "Credit an account for unused airline tickets purchased with a centrally billed must first return the unused tickets to the issuing airline or."

Best regards :p, Bly.

by Bly on Thursday, April 02, 2009
I'm pretty sure this is just a red herring anyway, but for anyone outraged, realize that you already pay for the toilet - the cost is included in your airfare. I for one am happy that the airlines are charging fees - I don't check bags, I don't drink anything laden with high fructose corn syrup, or eat any trans fat snacks, or take my pet with me, or any other insanities - I'm glad I don't have to subsidize all of the people who overpack and overeat! I'll take the lowered airfare anyday! I've only used the facilities on a plane 2 or 3 times in my life (and I take at least 20 flights per year), so I would gladly pay if necessary. I just hope that all of you saying you would go in a bag are joking - have some class! If you can afford a $100+ ticket, surely you have another buck to spare in the name of civilized behavior.
by kate on Wednesday, March 11, 2009
What a joke! Actually, the joke may just be on them if they end up with a passenger without the change and a child that can't hold it any longer and pee's all over their seat!!!! They would probably just make the mom or dad clean it up and then charge them for the cleaning supplies. This is the most insane thing I have ever heard of.
by Soni on Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Will the captain, copilot and crew also pay to open the potty door and use it? As for me I have options: do not travel on that airline; if I absolutely MUST (God forbid) I will wear about 3-4 diapers (that cabin will smell real good ...); I will travel by train instead.
by traveldiva on Sunday, March 01, 2009
RE: Pay toilet on commercial aircraft news. Perhaps it's time to seriously consider fast passenger train service for North America.
Not necessarily the fastest high speed (150 mph and above) speeds
attained in Europe Japan and (lately) Korea, but over 88mph speed
limit now in force.
For example, I'm told that over 30% of flights from O'Hare in
Chicago result in trips of less than four hundred miles. A fast
train featuring "tilt-train" technology could make the journey
in almost all weather conditions. How much time would that
save passengers waiting on the runway for take-off? Or worse,
waiting for the flight to find a docking port with faulty pay toilets
on board?

by Hi Speed on Tuesday, March 03, 2009
From now on I will carry a large box of GALLON-SIZE ZipLock bags. I will take the WINDOW seat from now on. When ever I need to "go" i will use the ZipLock bag...AND since they are NOT YET charging for garbage that one leaves begind ---I will leave the ZipLock bag (or bags) on my seat when I leave.

PRESTO!!!

by Isaac on Sunday, March 01, 2009
March Fong please come back - your work here is not finished! Looks like sales of the Stadium Buddy will skyrocket. Just hand the bag to the attendant on the way out.
by rollo on Sunday, March 01, 2009
I already pay to use the lavatory. it's called airfare.
by SFwriter on Sunday, March 01, 2009
Paying for the potty? I hope the airlines think twice about this one. Picture this - - an airline holds you hostage on the tarmac for hours due to weather, etc., then charges you for the privilege to go potty in the meantime. Sounds like the receipe for an on-board mutiny to me!
by ckcsfan2 on Sunday, March 01, 2009
charge a fee to let them pee
and then
where would those without the fee
hide to poop and pee?
what a smell and sight to see

by bets on Sunday, March 01, 2009
Pay toilets..what a concept!!!!......... Let us look ahead a few years....pay for over head lighting, under the seat and over head luggage spaces, pay to bring your own food or drink on the plane, pay for pillows, blankets, armrests, serving trays, oxygen, oh yes and let us not forget the most important,...your flotation device! Think of the money the airlines would save because you now no longer need flight attendants. Pay toilets,..I THINK NOT!!!!! I'd sooner walk!
by Prissy on Saturday, February 28, 2009
I figured it might be a cheap advertising ploy for the CEO of RyanAir but I did get a laugh......Note to self: Skip the pint of Guinness at the airport lounge in Belfast......you won't be "lucky" if you come up a "pound" short! Psst...latest ad on their US web sites says "One million seats 5EUR each way"...you don't think they mean toilet seats?
by on Saturday, February 28, 2009
Ludicrous! NOBODY wants to use the facility in a public conveyance...what makes them think we'd pay for the unsanitary privilege. The very idea makes me cringe.
by Abby on Sunday, March 01, 2009
I personally am offended to have to pay for soft drinks and snacks, much less using the toliet. US Airlines have gotten way out of hand. I just came back from a trip to India where I used several of their domestic airline companies. They are WAY better than any US airline. You still get full service for half the price and free gifts too. The food is better, the staff more polite. It is just an overall better experience. Not to mention a full meal was served even if it was an 1:15 minute flight. The same holds true for domestic airline companies in Thailand and Singapore. They give you all the extras for much less, despite high fuel prices. Of course they pay their empoyees far less.
by Kangaroo1 on Saturday, February 28, 2009
We should mention too that many budget European-based airlines already charge extra if you use a credit card vs. cash and also charge extra if you check in with a live human being at the airport rather than online at home before you leave or at an automated kiosk. Although probably pay lavatories are a long shot, we wouldn't be surprised to see charges for checking in with an agent coming to an airline near you.
by on Saturday, February 28, 2009
The day the airlines start charging for using the toilet is the day I stop flying!!!!!!
by Golfer on Saturday, February 28, 2009
With all of the opposition to this idea, it might mean that this airline's flights wouldn't be very cramped. It would probably mean cleaner lavs, as well. If that were the case, I'd gladly pay.
by S W on Saturday, February 28, 2009
Good Grief Charlie Brown! What next!!! I would pay more on another airline that don't charge for a potty break!
by freemefromloo on Saturday, February 28, 2009
Since I already avoid certain airlines with rude attendants (Air Canada), impossible connections (Continental via Houston, American via Miami) unkept planes (Air Jamaica) certainly I would not book with an airline that stoops that low to make a buck. Maybe they should look at the waste of cash at the upper levels of management before they 'nickle and dime' the very people they need to count on to exist...
by Canuck on Saturday, February 28, 2009
Even if this is not true, you know they've thought about it.
One way to stop it. Find a place outside of the lavatories so that they will have to clean and/or fumigate the plane after the flight.

by phred on Saturday, February 28, 2009
For Europeans like me, who have to use Ryanair to get to places that otherwise are impossible to fly to for a reasonable fare, the idea of charging for a visit to the loo is not so outrageous as it seems.
Just travel by car along the German autobahn and stop for a bathroom visit at a gas station and you'll be shocked by the amount you'll have to pay to use it !
There are many, many other places in Europe that will charge you for the potty break - I've come across McDonalds' where you have to at least order above a certain amount in order to receive a code to use their bathrooms !

by on Saturday, February 28, 2009
I would definitely pay for a women's only restroom. The sanitary conditions in a restroom shared with men are a health hazard and I get so sick of the toilet seat being left up
by KJ on Saturday, February 28, 2009
Well, I will add that airline to my will not fly list. United made it on my last flight with them, arrived at the LA airport at 10:30 am (2 1/2 hrs ahead as ordered, and l finally flew out of there at midnight that night, flew to Chcago, and had to wait to fly out of there in the am....finally arrived at the local airport at about 11 am the next day....now this is rediculous.....will never fly them again.
by cardinal lady on Saturday, February 28, 2009
For heaven's sakes! I've been in department stores in Scandinavia where you have to pay to use the loo and it is chaos! Can you imagine this on an airplane...Are we all just going to have to switch to Depends? I can live with the lack of food, the iffy drinks, the small seats, ad inf., but being forced to pay for the restroom is beyond barbaric. NO! No! No! Make me donate a Liter of blood at the gate, but don't impoverish me because I have to pee a!
by NewToSea09 on Saturday, February 28, 2009
This is absolutely ridiculous. I would boycott Ryanair and other airlines who adopt this policy. This may be acceptable in Europe, where there aren't public toilets in all cities, but certainly not acceptable to Americans. Lavatory use should be a right.
by Kutless Inspired on Saturday, February 28, 2009
let's see, what's next? per litre charge for the air one breathes?
by wyndnskye on Saturday, February 28, 2009
No problem, I'd just pee in the seat. That would provide some cost savings I'm sure.
by ticked off flyer on Friday, February 27, 2009
No way. I can live without drinks and pretzels - hardly necessities. Going to the bathroom is a basic need. And it's not healthy to hold it. Are they going to start charging for the crappy air you breathe while boarded?
by hb on Friday, February 27, 2009
No way. I can live without drinks and pretzels - hardly necessities. Going to the bathroom is a basic need. And it's not healthy to hold it. Are they going to start charging for the crappy air you breathe while boarded?
by hb on Friday, February 27, 2009
Would this pass the health code test? I don't know, but I would think that in this country that the FAA would have something to say about that... In Europe, I don't know, but a bit absurd I think.... I have flown Ryanair and they saved me a ton of money, but some poor stiff who has some kidney health issues gets to subsidize my flight... Yea right... A really dumb idea....
by KW on Friday, February 27, 2009
I think I will take my own blanket and a chemical toilet bag and use the facilities at my seat, then give to the flight attendant to dispose of!
Next thing you know you will have to rent the oxygen mask and life vest!

by jchopstix on Friday, February 27, 2009
I always look for lowest fares and amicable schedules....now I'll have to look for lowest fares with free bathrooms? Give me a break.
by VaVaMar on Friday, February 27, 2009
ONCE I FLEW ON AMERICAN AND THEY HAD ONE BROKEN DOWN. WE WERE FLYING COACH AND THEY TOLD US TO JUST LINE UP BACK THERE AS WE WERE NOT TO USE THE FIRST CLASS JOHN.NUTS!!
by STEVER on Friday, February 27, 2009
WHAT IF YOU DON'T HAVE A CREDIT CARD TO SCAN TO GET INTO THAT POTTY??
by STEVER on Friday, February 27, 2009
Not in a million years. It really doesn't cost them anything to provide a bathroom.
by bedott on Friday, February 27, 2009
No way would I fly an airline that charged for the toilet. The toilets usually aren't clean anyway. I avoid using them anyway as much as physically possible.
by Fab50 on Friday, February 27, 2009
I say go for it. I never use the bathroom and am more than happy to pay for it if i need to. And it might keep that jerk next to me from getting up 20 times during the flight and waking me up. Oh and those of you who complain about luggage fees -- don't pack so much! Geesh.
by justjeff on Friday, February 27, 2009
That's two pounds to join the Mile High club, then?
by Dangerous Bill on Friday, February 27, 2009
In Ecuador, the long distance buses do not stop for bathroom breaks often, and there are no toilets onboard. As a result, people do their business (at least the guys) into a plastic Ziploc bag, and then toss it out the window. I am sure all it would take to reverse this proposed airline policy is one "enterprising" young guy to give this a shot and try to dispose this hazmat when they collect the napkins and cups!
by passarinha on Friday, February 27, 2009
I would NEVER pay to use a filthy airplane toilet! I avoid it at ALL cost now. If such a thing DID pass and I wasn't aware of this practice prior to purchasing my ticket (rest assured I will ask from now on), I would go near the "room" on the floor or in a cup and give to the flight attendant!
by Ms E'Ville on Friday, February 27, 2009
NO WAY!

Seems everybody from the government, corporations, banks, etc. are trying to get into our nickers. I would not fly on airlines that charge for using the toilets. Idiots!

by madashell on Friday, February 27, 2009
I'd hunker down near the lav and drop my drawers and let it go before paying for a lav.
by Nana on Friday, February 27, 2009
I would never use an airline that charge to go to the potty! Are they nuts?!
by travel sweetie on Friday, February 27, 2009
Let them try to charge for it. I would then love to see them go out of business and show a thing or two to the other airlines that are charging for absurd things nowdays. I believe in a la carte charges to keep airlines in business, but this takes things to a whole new level. What about keeping your customers happy so they will continue to come back to you in the future?
by Opnion on Friday, February 27, 2009
If they do start charging a fee for the lavatory, I bet lots of folks will think up new ways to put those seldom-used air-sickness bags to use.
by lynnhoodrat on Friday, February 27, 2009
At first I was horrified by this idea, however if it means that the restrooms are actually cleaned during the flight I would be more than happy to pay. I have occasionally resorted to cleaning the bathroom myself on flights, when the floor is wet and I don't want to take the chance that a skirt or pants could end up wet too. Give me a clean bathroom and I'd rather pay any day!
by Christy on Friday, February 27, 2009
How about the plan that Virgin Air had to change coach seats to a nearly vertical ,standing, slightly leaning "seats" you would be strapped to so that capacity could be increased in coach.
by peepee on Friday, February 27, 2009
Imagine handing one of those to the flight attendant!
by lynnhoodrat on Friday, February 27, 2009
Well, I stay away from airplane restrooms so unless it was a really long flight, it wouldn't matter to me.
by Jujujo on Friday, February 27, 2009
Never, ever, ever!! I don't care if they did have the lowest fare. I would fly another airline just on principle alone.
by cmhx4 on Friday, February 27, 2009
Absolutely NOOOOO!!! In this country where they call themselves "first world" they just manage to behave while the fourth world when it comes to costumer service. I often go in domestic flights in countries in Latin America and first of all, they have MANNERS!!! MANNERS!!! not like here: flight is late, not even an apology, seats are dirty... nothing to fix the problem, plus the limited blanket issue... THAT IS INSANE!!! In domestic flights in the so called third world countries, airlines are more decent PLUS even in short flights, they have the decency to give you a drink and a small sandwich as a courtesy.. here, they would poison you if they could.
SICK OR IMPOLITE AIRLINES

by puggy on Friday, February 27, 2009
Hi everyone:

MOST DEFINITELY I WILL NOT FLY ANY AIRLINE THAT STOOPS TO SUCH LEVELS! The word is "enraged"; perhaps they' like us to bring our own seats? Well, I decided to cruise back to the Mainland on a repositioning trip in order to avoid flying !!

by emerald on Friday, February 27, 2009
My son flew RyanAir last year while in Europe. He said it was the most cramped flight he had ever been on and he would never fly with them again. Now they proppse charging to use the bathroom? I grew up in England, paying to 'spend a penney', but RyanAir is talking about one pound - about two bucks. At 57 years old, I now have problems with IBS - no way would I risk the humiliation!!!!
by Limey on Friday, February 27, 2009
Imagine this scene;
3 year old girl, squirming like crazy in her seat 'cause she has to use the potty. Mom has no quarters for the airplane's bathroom door. Fast forward to exiting the airplane and the stewardess noticing a large warm wet spot on the seat.
Or, imagine the announcement as they close the boarding doors; "Ladies and gentlemen, if you need to use the lavatory, please have 50cents in quarters for the lavatory door. Remember that defacing airline property or leaving a wet seat cushion will result in a $250 fine charged to your account."
I don't think this fee will fly anywhere.

by Em on Friday, February 27, 2009
Now I know what to put in that empty four dollar can of pop I just bought and consumed on board.
by peepee on Friday, February 27, 2009
Absolutely NOT - but I do remember when Malls and stores used to have those rotten things; and we would just climb underneath them and then open it up, stuff TP in the lock mechanisms so that the next person didn't have to pay either. They have overcharged us for luggage, then beverages, took away movies on long flights, gauge us with lousy food and service - no way - no how. I flew 16 times cross country last year and would rather walk, than pay for a bathroom break. I would boycott ALL airlines that put this into their "model" plan for downsizing. I am disabled and fight tooth and nail every flight with my service dog, refrigerated medication and laptop as that counts up to 3, however, medications and service animals are exempt - but I battle at the gate, immediately when I try to hand them my ticket and then onboard nonstop. USAirways is the worst with disabled customers flying. I had a flight attendant refuse to help me but my bag overhead, stated it was against the union rules. How would you like a paraplegic to reach the overhead compartment then? Demanded that I place my service dog under the seat - doesn't that defeat it's purpose? She held the plane up for take off until I placed my dog under the seat - it was ugly and violated ALL Federal regulations.
by TR on Friday, February 27, 2009
Stupidity is my guess........I will stick with Southwest Air anytime anyday......wish they would expand their routes and show these other airlines how to do business
by Tired flyer on Friday, February 27, 2009
Pay to use an airplane loo? I've been flying for 50 years. I'll be damned if I'll submit to that sort of indignity! Even airports don't descend to that kind of stupidity.
by Smudge on Friday, February 27, 2009
It really was too absurd not to be a hoax. I wagered it was an industry rumor designed to denigrate RyanAir, who has single-handedly revolutionized the European air market into a truly competitive one. In the US, in contrast, we have a handful of carriers who always cry poverty and then collude with Congress to keep competition out. We need a thorough Open Skies policy now. Your Congressperson is screwing you if they aren't acting on this obvious affront to consumers. And, speaking of affront to consumers, the airline industry is STILL charging exorbitant fuel surcharges (even on frequent flier mile redemptions), even though the excuse for that charge (skyrocketing fuel prices) disappeared long, long ago. As consumers, we are completely helpless here in the US (it's certainly not like this elsewhere in the world!!) in the absence of effective national regulation. That doesn't mean nationalization of the industry; I'm just talking about consumer-concerned oversight.
by LostAngelist on Friday, February 27, 2009
Pay for using the lavatory!! I read that in the paper this morning. Out of principle and sheer outrage I would never fly this airline. What next??
by sandybeach on Friday, February 27, 2009
No I will not pay to use the lavatory. I will check first before I buy a ticket. People and consumers need to come up against this insanity even if it means not flying period..............Boycott........
It's all fear based and control...............

by wlma on Friday, February 27, 2009
I would absolutely refuse to fly any airline that charged to use the potty! That would be the final insult in my opinion!
by Muz on Friday, February 27, 2009
I am appalled at such a proposal. I rarely use the facilities on board since I have to sit at the window to keep my dog quiet and don't want to bother others to get u; plus my dog would probably cause a short commotion until I returned But if you have done you duty at the terminal and nature calls once you have boarded than this should not be charged for. Speaking of pets on board, I bring up the question of charging $75 to over $100 per leg of you trip to transport a pet under your seat. First of all you have to have a health certificate with 30 days of travel that costs $50 to $75 and it only lasts for 30 days. Humans don't have to have a health certificate and I'll bet you get a lot sicker from fellow travelers than you would from a little pet in a kennel under a seat. Next Your pet is considered your carry-on luggage which HAS to go under you seat; you don't have the option of putting it in the overhead bin. There for you are always struggling to keep from disturbing the pet or your fellow traveler. I think this is skyway robbery when there is no extra hassle to any airline personel.

Just think about this scenario. First of all you are over 65 and on a very limited income. You want to help out family and take care of a grandchild for 3 months and don't have the funds or another person to care for you pet for that long at any rate and then you are charged for a health certificate there and back plus two flight legs. How much more can they bleed out of us. It is really unfair.

by over65 on Friday, February 27, 2009
When pay toilets were "the thing", I refused to use them. Never had a dime handy to use anyhow. Whenever my travel agent needs to book a flight for me, she will be instructed NOT to book on airlines that charge to use the loo!
by pollykins on Friday, February 27, 2009
Boycott......Pay for alternative forms of travel within the 48....STOP flying international until this mess gets straigtened out.
Visit by using the rail(the train is awesome and fun) there are vintage trains also, travel by car and by bus.
We have gotten soft.....we use to travel this way years ago and it can be enjoyable again. Keep the money within the US and ally nations that we can get to by alternative means.
Once we stop paying for international fares or fares within the North American continent they will begin to change their tune.
This is how business operates.......provide us the consumer with what we want or we quit.............
Simple.By the way I am a travel agent...............

by wlma on Friday, February 27, 2009
I would never use an airline that you had to pay to use the restroom. Never ! You better believe I WILL ask before I get buy a ticket. Just in case.
by Arkansas on Friday, February 27, 2009
I think that's in-humane if you need to charge using the bathroom, as ladies will need it and that's not due to the fact that they need to freshen up their make-up, but due to their biological monthly cycle. Now, if they want to charge using the bathroom, they should charge air fare by people's body weight. Anyone exceeding the normal body weight should be charged extra, as extra gasoline will be needed to fly this above average body weight, right? This can also help to fight obesity problem as well and it's not in-humane.
by apbb on Friday, February 27, 2009
I absolutely would not fly on airline that charged for lavatory use. The additional charges (i.e. luggage) already in place are at times a bit mind-numbing. What if you did have the change? Maybe you could slide your credit card through a machine for a quick stop to the loo.
Insane.

by gpph21 on Friday, February 27, 2009
NO!!!!!I would never use an airline that charged to use the restroom. Things can get really messy (if you know what I mean) if it ever comes down to that.
by nana on Friday, February 27, 2009
Absurd---give me a break, and I don't mean a potty break!!!!
by wombat on Friday, February 27, 2009
No way! I don't care how much lower their fare might be, I would not fly with that airline. Sheesh!
by ellesea5 on Friday, February 27, 2009
Insanity is the do nothing politicans wanting to charge from 1/4 to 1/2 cent per mile that we drive our personal vehicles...Airlines must have same type of individuals working for them......
by leonardo..... on Friday, February 27, 2009
First, I would immediately stop using that airline.

Second, I might consider the same for United, who on my last flight, not only put us in a plane with a broken lavatory, but while I was waiting for the delayed flight (first plane's door wouldn't close and pressurize), heard two OTHER planes going out with broken lavatories. The reason I know is that, minutes before boarding, they informed everybody that if they wanted to go, they'd better do it in the airport since the toilets onboard were down.

Oh yeah, another flight got out on the runway before returning with overheating airconditioning. That was good news for the two women and two kids that had been left behind, as they could reboard with the rest of the passengers once the announcement was given that they could reboard, but "please ignore the smoke smell because we could not get all of the smell out".

I guess only the bare necessary maintenance gets done these days, and toilets ain't so critical. No wonder they're landing planes in rivers and neighborhoods!

by Tired Airline Customer on Friday, February 27, 2009
The gas prices are down, but no one has dropped the fee for luggage that they said was needed due to hifgh fuel costs?????
by SueWantland on Friday, February 27, 2009
Charging for the lavatory!!!!?????????????
Ridiculous!!!!!! I would even pay higher fees rather than put up with this slap at your dignity. Southwest seems to be doing well with full flights and they don't even charge for luggage.

You know, the excuses they gave for all these charges were the higher fuel costs. Now what is their excuse since fuel costs have gone down?

by cougar on Friday, February 27, 2009
Nothing surprises me anymore , look at our do nothing politicans kicking around a 1/4 or 1/2 cent per mile on your personal car and the miles you drive..
by leonardo..... on Friday, February 27, 2009
Debunked a few hours ago:
http://consumerist.com/5161603/ryanair-mighta-just-been-making-up-toilet-fee-idea

by maryh on Friday, February 27, 2009
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