Controversial…

April 29th, 2009

Michael O’Leary may not be the model of CEO some in the airline industry aspire to be - whether its his outspoken views on the European Union or the recent “fat tax” furore, the one thing that makes him stand out from the crowd is his ability to grab headlines without being an “in your face” camera addict like other airlines bosses - namely the fellow who runs a certain brand that has which has not been “de-flowered“.

O’Leary’s comments on “slumdwellers” being the only folk likely to contract the new fever originating in Mexico has also raised a chorus of critics, but unlike Branson, O’Leary’s acumen for causing a stir is nothing short of a hilarious class act, even if his points veer tragically off the mark.

(For those Brit readers or those that understand Brit humour, you’ll know what I am getting at! And no, thats NOT a dig at those who do not “get it” either!)

Image courtesy of Boeing

“O’Leary’s too smart to know that this type of slum-dweller comment is just plain stupid. It won’t come back to haunt him because nothing ever does (one of Ryanair’s credos is, basically, “We don’t care, we just get you there”). And that’s actually to be applauded - O’Leary operates a great business model and sure, his airline’s no luxury experience, but if you want an easy life in aerospace plus 13 paychecks a year, go join Airbus.

It’s increasingly likely O’Leary is just restless and is looking for one more big business venture. He’s talked both about retirement and about long-haul low-cost operations and wisely backed away from the latter idea since there is no viable business model for this type of airline, never has been and never will be. Hybrids don’t really interest him either — with O’Leary it’s all or nothing,” says Arran Aerospace’s Doug McVitie.

Just over a month ago, the Times of London ran a bizarre piece on the “20 reasons not to fly Ryanair“.

Well, I’ll give you 20 why the Times was wrong. An all counts.

1. 1p flights are never 1p

Well, d’uh! With one of the highest levels of airport duties emanating from the UK, every Ryanair customer knows its an advertising gimmick and that taxes are NOT included. Any idiot could tell you a 1p flight NEVER translates into a 1p flight. Unless perhaps you’re an idiot?

2. The check in charge

Well, perhaps its a “sly” charge, but I’d like the Times to explain why Ryanair customers are STILL happy to pay it. It wont be long before other carriers follow suit, it’s an innovative way of creating extra revenue.

3. The baggage charge

And? Most airlines today charge a fee of sorts for checked baggage. During the oil price spike of $147 last year, many a carrier lobbed on fees for first and second bags checked in. Ryanair isn’t exactly doing anything “out of the ordinary” here.

4. The sneaky weight limit

Right, so Ryanair has a weight issue with bags - so does British Airways but I don’t see the outrage? As for the Times claiming that “it makes not a jot of difference to the weight of the aeroplane” - well, actually yes it does. More bags equals more weight equals more fuel burn equals more cost.

5. Queues glorious queues

Remember the disaster of Terminal 5 opening? People getting on airplanes has always caused queues, is this a new phenomenon only just discovered by the Times? Ryanair is as “guilty” as every other airline in this respect.

6. The additional baggage charge

Refer to point #3.

7. The website is rubbish. On purpose.

…yet millions still use it to book flights, despite knowing the other six reasons above. In fact, Ryanair’s site may not be pleasant to look at, but its far easier to navigate than the likes of other carriers (no naming and shaming here.)

8. Premium rate internet helpline

http://www.saynoto0870.com/companysearch.php

9. You can only fly cheap mid week

Every airline has offers with strings attached. This is nothing new and certainly not a valid reason not to fly with Ryanair.

10. You have to travel at obscene hours.

But passengers still DO! What does that tell the Times (or any other critic)?

Image courtesy of Heathcliff O’Malley

11. The destination airports are in the middle of nowhere.

…hence the lower fares than full service airlines. Granted, catching a cab from Frankfurt-Hahn to the centre of the city may cost more Euro’s than you spent on your flight, but then refer to point #10.

12. A bottle of water on board costs £3

So what? It cost me double that in Harrods no more than a week ago, and I didn’t even fly anywhere. If you don’t want to pay £3 for water, airside shops will probably sell it cheaper anyway. If you’re smart enough to buy a bargain flight, buying cheap water should be a breeze…

13. Sweaty, plasticky seats

Even on full service carriers, the seats can be awful, yet people continue to fly. This is just an example of preference and not a reason to avoid flying the Irish carrier.

14. The in-flight musak

…and does this play throughout the flight? No? NEXT!

15. The fanfare

Oh, so it’s okay when Sir Brannie does it, but because we have an Irish airline that likes to celebrate it’s suddenly not acceptable! C’mon!

16. You can’t book a seat

Neither could you before the internet came along. Off to the check-in desk and you got whatever was left. People didn’t complain then, and I doubt they’re doing it now (unless you’re part of the Times…)

17. No refunds, ever

…and did you read the smallprint?

18. Poor compensation

What would you have them give you? Suggestions welcome.

19. You are always being flogged stuff

…as you are on when on terra-firma. Is there a point to this?

20. Michael O’Leary himself

Between O’Leary and say, Branson - I know who I’d share a pint with, and it wouldn’t be the Englishman.

Controversial? Absolutely!

Tags: 737, Arran Aerospace, Boeing, Doug McVitie, Michael O'Leary, Ryanair

Entry Filed under: Arran Aerospace, Boeing, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737NG, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Doug McVitie, Michael O'Leary, Ryanair