You'll have to ask permission to use the toilet when Ryanair resumes flights in July
In a move to get Europe on the move again following the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Ryanair confirmed on May 12 that it will be reinstating 40% of its planned flying schedule as of July 1. The airline has detailed a number of enhanced safety measures for when flights resume, including the restriction of toilet access onboard to avoid queueing and encourage physical distancing.
In a press release May 12 the airline outlined its enhanced safety measures to help protect both passengers and crew. Many of the initiatives have been implemented on other airlines already, but notably, Ryanair is telling passengers that they'll have to request to use the lavatory.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
"Queuing for toilets will also be prohibited on board although toilet access will be made available to individual passengers upon request," the airline said in its press release.
The measure will be put in place in order to restrict passengers from queuing in the aisle or galley during a flight.
Related: Complete country by country guide to re-openings.
In addition to the toilet restriction, Ryanair is also advising passengers to try to maintain social distancing "where it is possible", including at times where avoiding crowds can be difficult like during boarding, deplaning and at the baggage carousel. In addition, it's requiring that passengers and crew wear a face mask for the duration of their journey.
At check-in, passengers will be required to fill out a form stipulating various information about their travels including the trip duration and location of accommodation in order to help European governments to monitor specific isolation regulations. Additionally, Ryanair said that passengers may have their temperature taken at the airport, and if it's high, they'll be asked to return home.
On board, passengers can expect a limited inflight service of wraps, snacks and drinks served by crew, and no cash payments will be accepted. Ryanair said that each of its aircraft will be thoroughly disinfected every night.
The airline posted a video, outlining its safety measures for when it resumes flying.
As expected, Ryanair doesn't plan to leave middle seats unoccupied on flights, as CEO Michael O'Leary said in April that the idea was "idiotic".
Related: EasyJet to leave middle seats empty once flights resume
As far as its return to service, Ryanair said that it will start by returning around 40% of its normal flight schedules as of July 1. The airline will operate 1,000 flights per day in July, which represents around 90% of its pre-Covid-19 route network being restored. Initially, there will be fewer flights than usual on busier trunk routes to enable as many routes as possible to have flights restored.
Of course, the resumption of flights depends on European governments and if — and when — they lift travel restrictions. Greece's prime minister, for example, has said that the country plans to open for tourists in July.
Related: Why your summer holiday to Greece looks promising
The U.K.'s flag carrier British Airways hasn't yet released policies for passengers when the carrier returns to service, such as if face masks will be required for passengers and crew,
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app


