Budget airlines are booming across Asia, yet I've noticed that the cheapest fares rarely include a checked bag, seat selection, or even water. My last round-trip from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok cost $45 with AirAsia, but by the time I added a 20kg bag and an exit-row seat, the total hit $112—still a deal versus Malaysia Airlines, but not the advertised price. Should aviation regulators require full-price transparency upfront, or is it fair game for carriers to unbundle every service and let passengers choose what they pay for? The real question is whether we're seeing smart a la carte pricing or a bait-and-switch that undermines informed choice. I lean toward mandatory all-in quotes, but I also know low margins keep these airlines alive, so maybe the consumer's vigilance is the only honest regulator.