V-Flyer

Have just looked at http://www.ryanair.com and followed the link in the middle of the homepage to the "New Airport Security Restrictions" - link below [sorry, don't know how to make it smaller];

http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/notices. ... 822-ASP-EN

Michael O'Leary having another dig, but using a picture containing nudity this time.

Not really sure what he is trying to accomplish with all his shouting and feet stamping. But that picture did make me laugh out loud - others in the office just rolled their eyes.

But it is nice to see some humour made out of it. )

I really can't stand the man or his airline, I just find his behavior childish and immature[V] (quite a funny pic though:D)

Neil:)

I know he is pretty upset with BAA but at least he retains a sense of humour.

Silly Silly man. He obviously has a plain disregard for the safety of his passengers and crews. Makes you wonder how many maintenence corners he is cutting? what is the state of a budget airline`s fleet??

I was in danger of actually agreeing with Michael O'Leary last week, at least in terms of the substance of his message.

Of course he is just interested in keeping the turnaround times to a minimum and maintaining the hectic schedules for his airline so he can keep turning in the profits. However, the point about "nonsensical handbaggage restrictions" is well made: the sooner we get back to normal the better.

Incidentally, suggesting that he has a "plain disregard for the safety of his passengers and crews" is potentially libellous unless you have some evidence to back this statement up. (I can't believe it, now I'm actually defending Ryanair!).

BC

The current security situation is in the interest of the safety of the passenger, I would rather que longer knowing I am going to be safe. Is Mr O'Leary putting profit before safety?? He may be doing more damage to the reputation of his Airline than he thinks.

Originally posted by danxisqn
The current security situation is in the interest of the safety of the passenger, I would rather que longer knowing I am going to be safe. Is Mr O'Leary putting profit before safety?? He may be doing more damage to the reputation of his Airline than he thinks.

He's doing one thing very well though at the moment. Generating publicity. I for one have never looked at the Ryan Air website, and yet today I did. I also rather liked the "Lets Beat Terrorism" and "Keep Britain Flying" graphics on the main page. Can't argue with either of those sentiments.

Publicity stunts can often be very effective in raising awareness and profile, and they can also be very close to a very fine line. There is another airline who's owner / chairman used plenty of publicity stunts to raise his brand and awareness.

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What are they up to? I know O'Leary has publicly vented his anger over BAA but I can't see what he is achieving through this ad. It's only gonna put people off and not attract more customers.

Nudists maybe[:$]

Originally posted by danxisqn
The current security situation is in the interest of the safety of the passenger, I would rather que longer knowing I am going to be safe.

The "security situation" in respect of hand luggage size is in the interests of BAA, not in the interest of passenger safety. Having smaller and fewer carry on items makes them (possibly) faster to search, not intrinsically safer. And if BAA actually spent enough on staff there wouldn't be a problem with dealing with the standard sized items.

BC

I do think he is flogging a dead horse there. No way will HMG reduce the checks at the moment, especially just because he is threatening to sue.

As always the only winners will be the lawyers. The real losers will be the Ryanair passengers when the fares rise to cover their costs.

Ryanair excel on the "low cost" model of flight operations. Sure, their planes are not always on time, nor clean, but they do - most of the time - get you from A to B on the day you planned to travel. Yes, if things go wrong, you can be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no hope of a flight until the following day [or few days].

One point to Ryanair's credit - they have not levied any fuel surcharges as the oil price has soared. Most "full service" airlines such as VS / BA etc have all levied surcharges [& increased them on a regular basis].

Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
I do think he is flogging a dead horse there. No way will HMG reduce the checks at the moment, especially just because he is threatening to sue.

Maybe he's expecting the ban to be lifted in the next few weeks (probably before anything substantial can happen from a legal perspective) and then will no doubt claim a victory? Or am I being overly cynical?

BC

Personally I think the size restriction is one of economics on which airport operators can still put through the same number of pax with the new limitations.

Interesting statement today from the DTI in that they are looking at introducing an 'overnight bag' scheme for those people who have small amounts of baggage and don't want to wait at reclaim. Also got a mention in the Evening Standard tonight, unfortunately also in the statement the current restrictions are to stay.

There's also been a statement by BAA asking people not to arrive more than three hours before their flight (so as not to cause congestion) and my favourite request from BAA not to bring relatives and friends who are not flying as they are going to get very crowded.

They are already gearing up at LGW this evening, and the lovely movable barriers have appeared ready to be deployed and the yellow shirt helpers are very visable already.

Looks like he's making good on his threat...

Story here.

Phil FM