I’ve been shocked (not really) and outraged (very) at recent airline cuts including in-flight movies, snacks, and magazines. But I would lose it if access to the airplane restrooms was taken away, or only available for an extra fee. I love those things. Even if I don’t have to go, I’ll take a stroll over just to exercise my legs and see what kind of hand lotion is on offer.

So how is it possible that in one recent U.S. poll, over 40% of respondents said they would give up bathroom privileges on planes in exchange for half-price airfare? Evidently, just because these respondents didn’t have to go to the bathroom at the moment they were asked, they neglected to feel the, uh, urgency of having bathroom rights. Is this really what air travel has come to? Passengers are so irked at rising ticket prices—along with new fees for luggage, award-ticket redemption, beverages, and the like—that they’ll go to such extremes to shave off some dollars?

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo Member Ozzy-Dave

Yet on the flip side, the U.S. State Department expects the number of applicants for new credit card-sized passport cards to reach 4 million in less than a year. These cost $45; are invalid if you’re traveling by air; and are valid only when returning from Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean otherwise. What I don’t understand is why the average traveler would apply for one of these when she could get a full-fledged passport for not too much more, or when she already has a passport.

I guess what I really want to know is why some people are willing to shell out $45 for a semi-valid passport while others would be willing to go without facilities on airplanes (really, guys—even in an emergency?) to save. I’m sure the passport card is just right for a targeted group of travelers, but it seems that for most, it isn’t worth it to pick one up—you might end up having to apply for a booklet version down the road. Do other travelers like these ideas for saving, or do you also think our priorities could use a little shuffling?

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to ask the airlines not to get too much more creative with cutbacks: I really, really enjoy my restroom breaks.