While subscription services might save travellers money, they are also a way to persuade more people to fly – which is bad news for the planet.
Low-cost airline Ryanair has launched a new subscription service offering perks that it says can save travellers up to five times the sign-up fee.
The subscriber discount scheme known as ‘Prime’ costs €79 for 12 months.
Member benefits include free reserved seats, free travel insurance and access to 12 annual (one each month) member-exclusive seat sales.
“Ryanair has been delivering the lowest fares (and the best services) in Europe for the last four decades, and we’re now extending our price leadership with the launch of our exciting new subscriber discount scheme,” says Dara Brady, CMO of Ryanair.
“So, if you like flying regularly while also saving money, then Ryanair ‘Prime’ is a no-brainer.”
The Irish carrier is not the only company to offer a subscription service – Hungarian Wizz Air launched an ‘all you can fly scheme’ last year starting at €499 annually.
While these services might save travellers money, they are also a way to persuade more people to fly – which is bad news for the planet.
Ryanair launches €79 annual subscription service
Ryanair’s ‘Prime’ service allows travellers to save on seat fees and travel insurance. According to the company, subscription members who fly 12 times per year will save up to €420 (more than 5 times the sign-up fee).
“Even members who only fly 3 times per year will save €105 – that’s more than the €79 cost of becoming a “Prime’ member,” the airline says.
The subscription service is limited to 250,000 members on a first come first served basis, and travellers can sign up at ryanair.com.
Are flight subscription services a step back for sustainability?
Considering flight subscription services aim to encourage more travellers to take the plane, some environmental groups see them as a step back for sustainable aviation.
Talking about Wizz Air’s scheme last year, Hannah Lawrence from the campaign group Stay Grounded described the launch in the middle of a climate crisis as “like adding wood to a burning fire”.
“It shows the industry has no intention of reducing their emissions and cannot be trusted. While Wizz Air stokes the fire just to boost their profits, it’s those who have never set foot on a plane who will bear the biggest burden from the climate-wrecking emissions these flights will produce,” she added.
Stay Grounded also called for an urgent ban on frequent flyer programmes, the introduction of a frequent flying levy, and investment in grounded transport, “in order to avoid the worst of climate breakdown”.
Earlier this year, a spokesperson from the European Environment Agency (EEA) said that while many EU member states have policies in place to decrease transport-related greenhouse gas emissions by 14.3 per cent in 2030, programmes that encourage unlimited flying could contribute to environmental degradation, overtourism, and an increased carbon footprint.
“One effective strategy for mitigating the environmental impacts of mobility is managing demand whenever possible,” the EEA spokesperson added.
“Travellers should remain mindful of their consumption and waste. Choosing eco-friendly destinations, accommodations and activities, supporting local businesses, and prioritising lower-emission transport options – such as public transport, rail, walking, and cycling – over air travel can all contribute to more sustainable tourism.”
