Toilets for a Quid

A BBC article just announced that Ryanair CEO, Michael O'Leary, was considering charging a pound to use the airplane restrooms. Available after depositing money through a "coin slot on the toilet door", the restrooms may become a new revenue stream for the airline. More likely a PR stunt to get the airline in the papers, the PR chief down-played the idea. A more palatable money saver the airline just announced is the plan to close down all of its airline check-in desks by the end of the year.

While Ryanair has certainly led the budget airline market in Europe, it sure would be nice if some of the prices they offer were available in the US. I am not sure if these techniques are what makes the low prices possible. A more vibrant traveling culture in the US would certainly help to stimulate the economy. President Obama should look at how budget travel can stimulate the economy and lead to richer life-style for Americans.