Why Ryanair's CEO Proposed a 'Fat Tax' and Pay-to-Pee Toilets

For decades, Ryanair Michael O'Leary proposals have dominated aviation headlines.

The airline's CEO is famous for his outspoken nature. His suggestions often pushed the boundaries of the ultra-low-cost airline strategy. These ideas aimed to maximize airline ancillary revenue and cut operational costs. Most of these controversial plans were never implemented. They were often stopped by safety concerns or public backlash.

The Most Controversial Ideas

One of the most famous proposals was a charge for using the aircraft toilet. O'Leary suggested installing coin slots on the lavatory doors. Passengers would pay a small fee, reportedly £1, to use the facilities. This idea was quickly dubbed the pay-to-pee toilet charge by the media. It was ultimately rejected due to European aviation rules. These regulations require free access to essential services.

Another headline-grabbing idea was the 'fat tax.' This proposal suggested charging overweight passengers more for their tickets. The justification was based on the extra fuel required to carry heavier loads. This measure was intended as a form of aviation cost-saving measures. However, it faced immediate public outcry and was never pursued.

Safety and the Single-Pilot Cockpit

Two of O'Leary's most serious proposals involved fundamental changes to aircraft operations. These ideas were the standing room seats safety concept and the single-pilot operation EASA debate.

Vertical Seats and Evacuation Rules

In 2010, O'Leary suggested replacing rows with vertical 'berths' or 'bar stools'. These semi-standing seats would allow more passengers to be squeezed onto the aircraft. This could boost capacity by up to 50% on short-haul flights. The CEO argued this would allow for even cheaper fares, as low as £1. However, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) rejected the plan. The primary concern was the inability to meet strict safety and emergency evacuation requirements.

The Two-Pilot Mandate

O'Leary also questioned the need for two pilots in the cockpit. He casually suggested letting one pilot rest during flight. This idea aligns with the industry's broader discussion on Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO). However, EASA has recently halted plans for full single-pilot operation in commercial airliners. The regulator stated that current technology cannot yet match the safety levels of the two-pilot system. Key safety concerns include system redundancy, cognitive overload, and real-time monitoring. Pilot unions strongly oppose the idea, arguing that "Safety Starts with Two".

The O'Leary Strategy

While most of these Ryanair controversial ideas were never implemented, they served a clear purpose. They generated massive media attention for the airline. This strategy kept Ryanair in the news without spending on traditional advertising. It reinforced the brand's image as the most aggressive low-cost carrier.

This approach also allowed Ryanair to test the limits of the low-cost carrier business model. By proposing extreme measures, the actual implemented charges—like fees for checked bags or priority boarding—seemed less severe by comparison. The ultimate goal was to drive down base ticket prices. This focus on ultra-low fares remains central to Ryanair's commercial success.

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