Budget airlines have transformed short-haul travel across Europe, but I think the hidden fees now make them more expensive than full-service carriers on many routes. I recently priced a return trip from London to Milan: the base fare was £40, yet by the time I added a cabin bag, seat selection, and checked luggage, it hit £160 — while British Airways offered the same route for £145. Are we actually saving money, or just being lured by a headline price that doesn't reflect reality? The convenience of a single ticket and included baggage often outweighs the apparent savings, especially when you factor in time spent at the airport or unexpected charges.