European budget carriers have figured out how to lower the bar to a level unknown in the US. One carry-on, zero checked luggage allowance, pay to pre-assign a s

European budget carriers have figured out how to lower the bar to a level unknown in the US. One carry-on, zero checked luggage allowance, pay to pre-assign a seat, pay for water on-board, pay 30 Eur if you don’t pre-print your own boarding pass at home, scan, tag and check your own luggage. Almost all tickets are 100% non-refundable - miss the flight, you’re going to pay for another ticket. Prices are low enough that people are willing to suffer through the experience, and keep the planes completely full. It’s more like a Greyhound bus in the air.