What easyJet and Ryanair started was the demise of rip off fares by the flag and major carriers, who were traditionally the only carriers.
Now, more often than not, fares generally between flag/majors and Lo-Co are very close.
The £40 fare is very good value no mater where you are flying compared to public transport. This fare average makes money for the airlines, so all the discounts by the new Lo-Co players will only last a season or two. By then they will have run out of HM Govt region/EU aid, or gone out of business anyway.
