Budget airlines have transformed short-haul travel, but at what cost to passenger experience? I flew Ryanair last month and paid extra for everything from seat selection to a carry-on bag, yet the total still beat the next cheapest option by $80. The real question is whether the constant upselling and cramped seats are a fair trade-off for lower fares, or if airlines are just exploiting the lack of transparency in pricing. I think the model works fine for a 2-hour hop, but anything longer feels like punishment. Do the savings justify the hassle, or should we pay more for comfort and honesty?