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