There is a bit of a myth, perpetrated by some Gen Y
PR people no doubt, that discount airfares are an invention of Virgin and Jetstar. This is bull****. deep discounts were available waaaaaay back when. All you had to do was book in advance. Cheapies and Specials could always be obtained. When Ansett sank, the standard full fare, transferable, refundable, totally flexible MEL-SYD-MEL was $365, but you could still get the same tix for $79 with restrictions.