From lower fares to better service and more choice, the rise of low-cost competition in long-haul travel is good news for passengers.
Traditional airlines, like Delta and United, have to adapt or perish as budget airlines, like Norwegian and WOW Air, have ushered in a new era of cheaper flights on routes the former once dominated.
Even though these newer, cheaper airlines come with strings attached, in the form of added fees and pared-down service, they offer a good-enough flying experience that many travelers find tempting.
Flights to Europe for $69? Who can say no to that "” even if it does mean traveling light, bringing your own snacks, or a quick stop-over in Iceland.
Major carriers recognize the threat in this new business model, and are adapting by lowering fares tiers, increasing services, and even hatching baby brands.
Some flagship airlines, like American and United, have fought back against these incursions by introducing new bare fares which offer little more than a seat onboard for the price of the ticket, hoping this would attract more passengers who might fly with low-cost, long-haul rivals. This strategy seems to have worked really well…
