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The publicity department of the budget airline, Ryanair, always seems to be working overtime, and it’s often difficult to tell whether it’s being serious or simply taking us for a ride.

After the idea of pay toilets was floated, the latest wacky idea to come out of the no-frills Irish carrier is a plan to introduce standing room on its aircraft. The airline’s boss, Michael O’Leary, is looking to replace ten rows of seats on London to Dublin flights with standing slots that could sell for as little as 5 euros (£4/$6).

“People are always slow to accept the changes that face the aviation industry, even though it is already almost unrecognisable from 20 to 30 years ago,” said a spokesman for the airline. “We have already done away with check-in desks, an idea that two years ago people dismissed as a joke. We absolutely believe that these new proposals are the future.”

There is one problem, however. For this to come to pass, the regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) would have to be ripped up. In its certification specifications it states: ‘A seat (or berth for a non-ambulant person) must be provided for each occupant who has reached his or her second birthday.’

“This idea [of Ryanair’s] is unprecedented and unlikely to be certified in the near future,” said a spokesman for EASA.

Most bloggers and message posters see this as a Ryanair PR stunt. “How long before they suggest roof racks?” asks one.

by Andy Moreton

If you’re flying to the Irish Republic with or without frills, check out Luxique’s selection of seven luxury hotels in Dublin, including U2’s The Clarence.

I hear that Bono and The Edge have got the green light for their controversial plan to redevelop their hotel, The Clarence in Dublin.

The U2 frontmen have faced opposition from heritage campaigners over the proposed 150 million Euro (£120million/$240million) reconstruction of the protected building on the River Liffey waterfront. But after a long consultation process, the Irish planning authority has given it the go-ahead.

The Clarence dates originally from 1852. Bono and The Edge took it over in the 1990s and extensively refurbished it as a five-star boutique hotel with 48 rooms and suites. It’s attracted guests such as former US President Bill Clinton as well as international rock stars and supermodels.

The promised new super-luxury Clarence will have more than 150 bedrooms, a signature restaurant and a massive floodlit glass-roof atrium dubbed ‘the flying saucer.’

There’s still time to spend a weekend at the fine ‘old’ Clarence in Dublin before work gets under way. Luxique can get you the best room rates with no booking fees.

by Andy Moreton