Budget airlines have transformed how we travel, but I'm starting to question whether they're actually worth it once you factor in everything. A recent flight I booked for $89 ended up costing $210 after baggage fees, seat selection, and the mandatory print-your-own-boarding-pass charge. The real debate is whether ultra-low-cost carriers genuinely democratize air travel or just shift costs to hidden fees, making the final price comparable to traditional airlines without the included perks.