America The budget flight revolution began in America with Southwest Airlines in Dallas, Texas. With flights turning profitable in 1973 and remaining so ever since, former lawyer Herb Kelleher proved the viability of low cost flights. In terms of passengers carried each year, Southwest is now the biggest airline in the USA and the second biggest airline in the world. It has no plans to expand to international flights. Virgin’s Richard Branson, Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary and Easyjet’s Stelios have all acknowledged their debt to Southwest and its inspirational business model. Ironically US low cost carrier Skybus launched in 2007 modelling itself on the UK’s Ryanair. Branson has recently launched Virgin America , his own entry into the USA domestic market with low prices but better customer service options, such as pay per view movies and music, fresh food that can be ordered through the seat screen, mood lighting, and a pow...