Do budget airlines democratize air travel or mislead passengers?
Budget airlines like Ryanair and Spirit have made flying affordable for millions, but their business model depends on squeezing revenue from every possible extra — seat selection, cabin bags, even printing a boarding pass. I've used them plenty and saved money, but I've also seen families caught off guard by fees that double their ticket price. Should we celebrate ultra-low-cost carriers for democratizing air travel, or do they mislead passengers and degrade the entire flying experience?