How long can you bear on a no-frills flight?

A recent social media poll conducted on X for The Independent revealed that over half of nearly 2,700 respondents are willing to endure a flight of up to four hours on low-cost airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, or Wizz Air. While one in seven passengers indicated that two hours is their limit, a significant portion, 24%, expressed they would fly any duration if the fare was appealing. This reflects a growing trend among travelers prioritizing cost over comfort in air travel. The poll was initiated following Wizz Air's announcement of an all-economy jet service between Gatwick and Jeddah, set to launch on April 1. EasyJet is also expanding its offerings, with a new route from Luton to Tbilisi, Georgia, scheduled for a five-hour and 40-minute flight. Additionally, Ryanair has a long flight from Warsaw to Tenerife, nearly six hours long, indicating that budget airlines are increasingly catering to longer routes. Responses from the poll varied, with some passengers sharing their discomfort during lengthy flights, while others reported satisfactory experiences. Travel professionals noted that price remains a crucial factor for leisure travelers, often outweighing the desire for additional comforts like legroom and in-flight services. Both easyJet and Wizz Air have acknowledged the demand for longer flights at competitive prices, emphasizing their commitment to providing affordable travel options. This shift in consumer behavior suggests that budget airlines will continue to expand their services to meet the needs of cost-conscious travelers seeking new destinations.