Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary
Ryanair, a go-to airline for Europeans jet-setting on a dime, is known for cheap fares, stripped-down services and some wacky moneymaking ideas/publicity stunts. The Irish company originated the carry-on baggage fees that are becoming increasingly common, but their latest money-making scheme is raising some eyebrows. What could be shocking from the company that dreamed up the in-flight pay toilet? The airline may be launching a service usually reserved for hotel rooms: Pay-per-view porn.
Yes, the company that charges customers to check-in online and at the airport, may now be helping customers join the Mile High Club from the comfort of their seats. The plan would allow passengers to log into a Ryanair app on their iPads or smartphones where they could gamble, game, watch a movie — or watch porn. The company’s CEO Michael O’Leary told British tabloid The Sun, “I’m not talking about having it on screens on the back of seats for everyone to see. It would be on handheld devices.” Which is highly preferable to hands-free when you’re discussing this particular niche market.
“Hotels around the world have it, so why wouldn’t we?” asked the CEO. One glaringly obvious answer to that question: privacy. Woe be to the unfortunate passenger, be it toddler or nun, sitting next to the user of this in-flight entertainment.
Ryanair has at least a year to re-think this decision, as the cost of securing broadband connection powerful enough for all the dirty-minded travelers may prove prohibitive.