The concept of cross-Channel ferry crossings for next to nothing out of season disappeared several years back when Customs and Excise won a ruling that abolished duty-free sales in a single customs area such as the European Union. According to Ryanair’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, however, the next wave of subsidized travel may come from in-flight gambling.

Ryanair is applying for permission to introduce gambling on many of its 41 routes between the UK and France from next year and claims that the profits will be sufficient to operate the flights for airport taxes only. The airline is already the front runner in offering very cheap seats: last year more than a quarter of its capacity was taken up by passengers travelling on a free ticket.

However, let’s hope that intense gamblers do not forget where they are, and try to step outside for a quick cigarette…