Ryanair says passengers could replace baggage handlers

[NickN]

As a passenger, you'd hope this one never gets off the ground. I'd say the airport operators would also have an issue with pax dragging luggage throughout the terminal, would add to the congestion. Not to mention security issues once you leave your baggage unattended.

Europe's largest low-cost airline Ryanair is looking at the possibility of getting passengers to carry their luggage all the way to the plane, cutting out the need for baggage handlers.

"We would say to passengers ... take your own bag down through airport security, leave it at the bottom of the steps, we put it in the hold and on arrival we deliver it to the aircraft steps and you take it with you," Chief Executive Michael O'Leary told a news conference yesterday.

Ryanair's business is centered around cutting costs and the carrier is planning to eliminate check-in desks from October this year, saving up to 40 million euros annually.

An airline spokesman said the group would not pursue the luggage plan if it jeopardized their quick turnaround times

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-...0508-axgi.html

[Steve S... 2]

Next they will think up a way to get the visitors waving/seeing off passengers, to use the tug to push the plane back from the gate...

[NickN]

Something akin to this?

[Erik H. Bakke]

Taking your checked bags through security and down to the aircraft...
Now, that would make it impossible to bring liquids and so on even in checked baggage, wouldn't it?

[NickN]

There would definately be implications in allowing the practice Eric, things like shaving razors etc would also be an issue. I think Ryan Air are getting way ahead of themselves with this one.

[Rhys Xanthis]

Another foolish blabber from ryanair

[Andrew M]

Correct

They should have gone with the fat tax

[Torin Wilson]

All they need to do is place an order for a few Il-86.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyushin_Il-86#Concept