The rise of Low-Cost Carriers and how they continue to shape commercial flight

Flying used to be glamorous — and expensive. Today, it’s often cheaper to grab a quick flight than a train ticket. Who do we thank (or blame)? Low-cost carriers (LCCs).

It all began with airlines like Southwest in the U.S. and Ryanair in Europe, which stripped flying down to the basics: no frills, point-to-point routes, and fares so low that more people could afford to fly than ever before.

In India, IndiGo has mastered the model, dominating the skies with efficiency, quick turnarounds, and a “keep it simple” philosophy.

Of course, the trade-offs are familiar: no free meals, tighter seats, and extra fees for everything from luggage to seat selection. But the flip side? Air travel has become democratized. Families, students, and budget travelers who once relied on buses and trains can now take to the skies.

LCCs also forced legacy airlines to adapt. Full-service carriers now have “light” fares, new cabin layouts, and sometimes even their own budget subsidiaries.

Love them or hate them, LCCs reshaped aviation. They made flying ordinary — and in doing so, extraordinary for millions who never dreamed they’d look down on clouds from above.

Image source: Ojaswi-Pratap-Singh (Unsplash)