Airline passenger news and views

I was sorry to see Ryanair’s recent newspaper advertisement featuring a picture of Robert Mugabe shaking his fist, with the title of ‘EasyJet's New Head of Punctuality’.

Yes, I have been amused in the past by some of Ryanair‘s PR antics and I accept there are some grounds for criticism of easyJet’s recent timekeeping record. But, was the advert in what used to be called ‘good taste’ ? I somehow doubt it.

I do still have a slightly old-fashioned approach to what is acceptable. Being involved in journalism does blunt one’s sensitivities but I have an elder sister who links me back to our parents’ generation for whom good taste and acceptable behaviour clearly mattered. Of course, innovation and pushing boundaries is important but so is respect for the views of others.

S o, I encourage the competition between our low-cost carriers and will continue to admire the cavalier attitude – there is no such thing as bad publicity – taken by Michael O'Leary.  But, using images of Hitler, Mugabe, child killers or any extreme reference that is knowingly going to be offensive?

That, in this hack’s very personal opinion, is bang out of order.