OK, There's Discount and Then ...

... there's discount.

From my friend Daryl of Warsaw, soon to be Daryl of Beograd.

"We're all about finding ways of raising discretionary revenue so we can keep lowering the cost of air travel," - Michael O'Leary, Chief Executive - Ryanair.

Irish carrier Ryanair, Europe's largest budget airline, might start charging passengers for using the toilet while flying, O'Leary told BBC on Friday.

"One thing we have looked at in the past and are looking at again is the possibility of maybe putting a coin slot on the toilet door so that people might actually have to spend a pound to spend a penny in future."

He said this would not inconvenience passengers travelling without cash. "I don't think there is anybody in history that has got on board a Ryanair aircraft with less than a pound."

O'Leary has a reputation as a cost cutter, expanding Ryanair by offering low headline fares and charging extra for items such as additional luggage. Last week, Ryanair announced it was to shut all check-in desks at airports and have passengers check in online instead.

Discretionary, adjective from Discretion
Discretion
Pronunciation: dis-ˈkre-shən
Function: noun
Date: 14th century

1. the quality of being discreet : circumspection ; especially : cautious reserve in speech
2. ability to make responsible decisions
3. a: individual choice or judgment
   b: power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain legal bounds
4. the result of separating or distinguishing

Now I'm looking at the definitions and I'm guessing the first one doesn't really apply. For god's sake Michael's talking about bathroom functions on the BBC and everyone on an airplane knows what you're going when you squeeze past them to get from your middle seat to the aisle.
Second one - well I guess you make the responsible decision to walk down to that 2x2 cubicle and have a pound in hand, as it were.
Third one - well it is a choice - to go or not to go.
Fourth one - this should separate those with a pound from those without and certainly distinguish those with weak bladders from those who can hold it.

And I have a feeling Michael may just start offering discounts on salty treats and water on his flights. What you lose on the roundabouts you can make up on the swings.

27 febbraio - San Leandro di Siviglia