The Future of Budget Air Travel: Can Ryanair Get Any Worse?
Does the idea of Ryanair evokes thoughts of frustration and dissatisfaction? It seems as though the airline will not stop until the flying experience takes a dive to the very bottom. However, have you ever compared Ryanair to the all-powerful regime like Air Koryo of North Korea? They might be worse, but that doesn't make Ryanair any less concerning. In this article, we explore the future of budget air travel and what can be expected from Ryanair.
Is Ryanair an Exception or the New Norm?
The argument is often made that Ryanair, or any budget airline, is an unavoidable part of modern travel. While there are undoubtedly benefits to budget airlines, the downside is not to be dismissed. Recently, Air Koryo, the flag carrier of North Korea, has caught the spotlight. Air Koryo's approach to travel is far off from the capitalist model, as they inspect luggage and personal effects, making flights a potential work camp experience. Considering this, Ryanair's current practices appear relatively minor by comparison.
However, our focus is not on North Korea but the future of budget air travel. Given the spectrum of practices adopted by current budget airlines, it is logical to assume that Ryanair could still go further in degrading the flying experience. So, let us dive into the potential future scenarios fans of Ryanair might expect to find themselves in.
Predicted Future Practices of Ryanair and Their Impact
Cattle Class and RAT Class: It might come as a shock to know that a new class of service could emerge named ‘RAT Class’, which stands for 'Really Awful Travel'. This will see small amounts of cattle class being added, with roughly a third being designated as RAT Class for just one-third of the current cattle class rate. The inclusion of an extra row of seats in every aircraft and squeezing more space out could also be expected.
Future of Flight Pricing: Ryanair might implement a credit system, allowing passengers to pay gradually. Inconveniently, the longer passengers wait to pay, the more the fare will rise incrementally. Marketing gimmicks such as early bird check-ins could also be implemented, with passengers awarded early-bird VIP badges and lounge access, albeit with additional costs for refreshments and toilet visits.
Decreased Air Quality: A gradual reduction in air quality over the next decade is a realistic prediction. With less air quality, the onboard air cleaners will have to work less, thereby saving fuel. In a move to increase their revenue, Ryanair could also limit this decrease to flights with previous Ryan Air flyers, as they already have low expectations.
Flying With Animals: Ryan Air might even consider allowing pets and animals on board, providing a "Pet" fare for half the price of a human. This could lead to a 'Pet Party' flight format, potentially increasing overall flight revenue by a full half. Initial access would be limited to certain flights, and passengers might need to look after a chicken or other livestock, which are also half-price.
Music Class: Ryan Air could introduce a new class called 'Music Class,' where passengers bring their instruments and play them during the journey, receiving a 5-pound discount. However, there would be a catch, as participants must achieve 10,000 video views or face a bill of 15 extra pounds.
Ryan Horse: If a flight is missed due to Ryan Air's fault, the airline could offer a 'Ryan Horse' option, where four people could each ride a horse to reach their destination. While this would be a logistical nightmare, it could increase their revenue by 33.50 pounds per person. The travel time would be several days longer, often requiring additional ferries and costs for the passengers.
Food Reduction: Lastly, food options could become significantly worse. All meals might be replaced with sausages, and five years later, that could change to protein insects shaped like sausages. Vegetarian flights could also be affected by this strategy, making it more difficult for passengers to find suitable meal options.
Given the current trajectory, the future of Ryanair and budget air travel looks grim. While these changes might seem far-fetched, the airline industry is constantly evolving to cater to cost-cutting measures. As such, it is essential for travelers to consider their options and be vigilant about their rights and fair treatment.
Conclusion: Ryanair and similar budget airlines have already made travel experience less appealing. The future might only make things worse. Travel is a privilege that should be enjoyed, not endured. As travelers, we must be aware and prepared for the evolving landscape of budget air travel to make informed decisions that suit our needs and values.