Ryanair inflight trolley

An article in today´s Daily Mail reports on somewhat dubious tactics supposedly encouraged by Ryanair staff selling refreshments onboard their flights. A training document issued to staff suggested staff "mislead passengers by telling them that they have no change left and to perhaps spend the money on an alternative item from the trolley or on a scratch card"! The controversial strategy is contained in a document produced by the company Retail in Motion, which is used by Ryanair to provide sales advice and training.

Monarch menu

With the extortionate prices that airlines charge and therefore inflated profits obtained for onboard refreshments this is certainly shocking, although I have never witnessed this happening. But how can they justify charging the prices which they do? They can´t but as you are a captive audience you have little option if you want a drink for instance. Ever since the ban on taking liquids over 100ml came into effect following the 9/11 bombings, it has almost been a licence to print money for the airline industry. A bottle of water that costs 20 cents in the supermarket is sold for 2.50 euro or cup of tea for a similar price - I understand that they have overheads and are a business, but that really is pure greed.

Most people don´t mind paying a small charge for convenience and service but do begrudge being taken for a ride. They seem to have a Spanish mentality - sales are down so increase the price. NO - this will lead to a further fall - if you decrease the price you are more likely to generate a higher turnover and in the long run increase profits....