Ryanair Airlines' Sneaky Techniques To Get Passengers To Make More In-Flight Purchases

Thanks to the proliferation of low-budget airlines, traveling is now possible for nearly everyone. However, before buying a budget-friendly flight with one of these carriers, know that you'll literally be paying only for your seat — and nothing else. Forget about luggage (checked or carry-on), in-flight beverages, food, or other services, unless you want to pay extra. So how do budget airlines manage to sustain themselves? Well, there are many approaches to how low-cost airlines entice you to pay extra, from seat selection to in-flight food, to late check-in, and extra luggage or outrageous carry-on fees. But the sneakiest technique, used by one of the U.K.'s most popular low-budget airlines, is one that is subtle and plays on subliminal messaging and psychology to get you to take out your wallet. Ryanair does this simply through the aircraft's color scheme. 

The choice of a blue and yellow design in Ryanair's planes plays a huge psychological role in tempting passengers to buy more in-flight services. According to the psychology of color, blue has a soothing and calming effect, creating a comfortable ambience and atmosphere that puts passengers at ease. Then, the color yellow is believed to stimulate hunger, enticing the desire to purchase food on the flight. The simple choice of their interior design is meant to get customers to pay extra for food. Add to that the frequent in-flight announcements, keeping promotions and products in passenger's brains and stimulating them to feel hungry and increase the desire to eat instantly. Pretty smart, and sneaky at the same time. 

Ryanair combines its color scheme and frequent announcements with visual ads – strategically placed at the back of the seat in front of you, and in its in-flight magazine with delicious food on the cover, personally handed to you by the crew — all calling you to check it out. The promotions, products, pictures of food, and the latest in-flight deals are all part of the sneaky marketing tactic to get you to psychologically feel the need to buy. Even the candy and snacks they sell are on display, rather than tucked away in the drawer of the service cart.

Part of the training for Ryanair's crew members includes enhancing their selling skills. The training programs emphasize marketing techniques, educating their crew members on smart strategies to help boost sales. By using techniques such as personalized interactions, maintaining direct eye-contact, and suggesting additional purchases, it helps increase the likelihood of sales. 

When collecting trash or during their service rounds, cabin crew members are trained to ask if passengers would like to make an extra purchase. Simple questions such as "Would you like another drink?" when collecting an empty cup or bottle can enhance the likelihood of passengers making additional purchases and spending more money on flights. These subtle tactics are a great way to boost sales and increase revenue for the airline. However, as a passenger, you should be aware of these techniques and understand how to fight the urges or not fall into the traps — unless you want to, of course.