Press Release

Aussies won't pay a penny for a pee: survey

03 August 2009

THE jetsetters from Europe might be doing it, but 9 out of 10 Aussie travellers say they will never pay for a pee on a plane, according to a new poll.
Leading online travel marketplace totaltravel.com’s latest survey asked people if they thought it was fair for low cost airlines to charge a fee for using toilets on planes.

It follows the recent news that Michael O’Leary, the CEO of European low-cost airline RyanAir, had confirmed plans to charge passengers for using toilets within two years.

An overwhelming 91 per cent of respondents (1221 people) hated the idea, voting ‘What on earth is the world coming to? I’ve never heard of anything more ridiculous’.

Angry voters inundated the totaltravel.com site with their opinions.

One voter posted the comment: “Recently the Queen of Spain took an economy flight to England on RyanAir. They recognised her and then advertised that Ryan Air gave everyone the royal treatment. That means that we are all entitled to a throne. Anyway, how and what are they going to charge? 20 p per pee, or one pound per pound? Going to the bathroom is a basic human function and should not be paid for under any circumstances”.

Another wrote: “I imagine that every passenger on a plane would be revolted if someone chose not to use the toilet because it cost money, or didn't have the money on hand to pay, and lost control of their bladder or bowel on a plane seat! Young children, mature aged and disabled individuals particularly stand to suffer the most from such an idiotic, money-grabbing proposal.”

Only 4.5 per cent of people (59 votes) thought it was a reasonable idea, voting ‘Yes, it’s very fair. Maybe the toilets would be cleaner and people would think twice about releasing toxic fumes into a confined space.’
One voter in favour of the idea commented: “Why not? If people want cheap travel, why complain at a charge for using the loo? We used to pay to use the public toilets in Europe and no one complained and they were a lot cleaner and in much better condition.”

Another 4.5 per cent (60 votes) voted ‘I don’t care. I’ve never used a stinky airline toilet before and don’t intend to in the future.’

totaltravel.com global marketing manager Paul Fisher said the survey had had hit a nerve with voters, with the website received a staggering 1000 votes in the first 24 hours.

“There’s no debate here – Australians detest the idea of paying to pee and I would advise all low-cost airlines to pay close attention,” he said.

“People are being very careful with how they spend their travel dollars these days and the travel industry needs to ensure they are providing their customers with an exceptional service.

“Travellers want value for money, but they do not want to be taken advantage of. I think it’s fair to say that charging customers for using the toilets will not win any fans.”

The survey was conducted over four weeks and attracted 1340 votes.

ENDS

Media enquires:
Paul Fisher
Global Marketing Manager
totaltravel.com
Phone +61 (0)2 6680-8755
Mobile 0404 057 367

About totaltravel.com
totaltravel.com was established in 2002 and is Australia’s leading online travel marketplace for travellers and travel suppliers. Travellers can research destinations, read the opinions of other travellers, find travel offers and then deal directly with travel suppliers to save money.