It's also become substantially cheaper as fuel prices have tanked over the last few years. Lower fuel costs means budget airlines can compete more aggressively

It's also become substantially cheaper as fuel prices have tanked over the last few years. Lower fuel costs means budget airlines can compete more aggressively, and major carriers have to lower their own prices to stay competitive. So they have to cut corners other ways to maintain growth. For me, the upside of much cheaper travel beats these downsides. If you travel light and educate yourself about fees, airline travel really isn't so bad.