Captive Consumer in the Cruise.

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As I write this post I am sat on board a Ryanair Boeing 737-800, 37,000 feet above Portugal and on my way to what I hope will be a relaxing week in the south of Fuertavenutura.

But the relaxation will have to wait for a few hours time, till we are back on the ground and away from the incessant selling by Ryanair staff.

As we board we are I am aware of the classic tune playing over the onboard public address system: one of those popular ones that you can hum along to. But the pleasure of the classical music is soon interrupted by the first advert of the flight telling us that the flight is effectively sponsored by a famous fruity soft drink.

Before the cabin doors are shut, the second product affiliation is announced and this time its car hire. We get airbourne and the non stop commercialism continues with the first of three outings for the refreshment cart.

Next up, and only minutes after the first drinks trolly has been stowed and the PA is fired up again to advertise the sale of a famous celebrate mag. Walk through complete and now they announce an amazing opportunity to support children's charities through buying a scratchcard or two.

Then relative piece is shattered once again to announce the once in a lifetime opportunity to buy a stress reducing magical watch for just €12. Oh and of course I forgot to mention the two attempts at selling hot food;
phone cards and one walkthough hawking smokeless cigarettes, each of which requires its own piercing announcement.

Now we are being offered a plethora of duty free goods and there is still over an hour to go before I can escape this onslaught.

You may have noticed that I am not fond of shopping in the first place and yes, I am aware of the fact that all airlines engage in some form of inflight sales but Ryanair take it to the extreme. I guess its true that you get what you pay for and having flown Ryanair before I knew what I was letting myself in for. But money is tight and for my own sanity I need a week in the sun.

Oh well at least its seven days until I must endure it again on the return leg