A Journey Through 30 Years of Affordable Air Travel
On November 10, 1995, EasyJet made its debut with a flight from Luton to Glasgow. Since then, the budget airline has grown into one of Europe’s largest carriers, transporting over 100 million passengers annually to destinations as far as Egypt and Cape Verde.
Despite the general rise in prices over the past three decades, air travel has become more accessible for many people. A recent study highlights how this shift has occurred, particularly through the efforts of airlines like EasyJet.
In 1995, EasyJet introduced its iconic £29 one-way flights from Luton to Glasgow, accompanied by the slogan “fly to Scotland for the price of a pair of jeans.” At that time, a pair of Levi’s jeans cost approximately £32. By 2025, the price of such jeans has risen significantly, with some models costing over £100.
Interestingly, the fare for a one-way trip to cities like Luton, Glasgow, Belfast, Amsterdam, Milan, and Barcelona is now more than half of what it was in real terms in 1995. The starting fare is currently £26, compared to £29 in 1995, which equates to around £58 in today’s money.
During this period, the cost of nearly all items has increased substantially. For instance, a Big Mac once cost £1.74 (equivalent to £3.47 in real terms) and now costs about £5.39—a 55% increase in real terms.
The average house price in 1995 was £51,529 (around £102,675 in real terms). Today, the average home is priced at £260,826, reflecting a 154% increase in real terms.
Perhaps the most surprising increase is in the cost of a First Class stamp. In 1995, these postage stamps were just 25p (50p in real terms). They have since seen a staggering 231% real price increase, now costing £1.65.
Fred Rivett, the captain of EasyJet’s first flight on November 10, 1995, shared his reflections: “It’s hard to believe it’s been three decades since my crew and I flew that very first flight from Luton to Glasgow. Back then, EasyJet was a bold new idea and a complete disruptor to the industry. To see how it has grown into the UK’s largest airline and helped millions travel across Europe and beyond is something I’m incredibly proud to have been part of.”
To commemorate its 30th anniversary, EasyJet will recreate that inaugural journey today, with a crew composed entirely of individuals who are 30 years old this month. This gesture serves as a tribute to the generation that has grown up alongside the airline.
Kenton Jarvis, CEO of EasyJet, commented: “EasyJet has made it possible for millions of people to travel easily and affordably, opening up new opportunities that once felt out of reach. The benefits of this are clear, not just in the economic impact this has had for the UK, but also in the lasting impact that the democratisation of travel has had for society, which we have been incredibly proud to contribute to over the last 30 years.”
“Our special anniversary flight today, complete with our operating crew of all 30-year-olds, is a special nod to the three decades we’ve had in making this ‘generation EasyJet.’ Whether it’s a first trip abroad, a spontaneous weekend city break, a chance to reconnect with family and friends, or making that all-important business meeting, EasyJet has been there for some of life’s most important journeys, and we’re excited about what the next 30 years will bring.”
The Future of Affordable Travel
As EasyJet continues to evolve, the question remains: How will it further shape the landscape of affordable air travel? With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to accessibility, the airline is well-positioned to continue influencing the way people explore the world.