- Mr Plane Guy
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
easyJet Turns 30: How a £29 Flight from Luton Changed Europe Forever
By Mr Plane Guy, Plane Travel News & Reviews with Altitude
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you it keeps this blog flying high (and fuels my airport coffee habit).
From One Orange Plane to Europe’s Favourite Low-Cost Airline
Thirty years ago today 10 November 1995 a single orange Boeing 737 took off from London Luton to Glasgow, and the world of air travel was never quite the same again.
That first flight, captained by Fred Rivett, launched a revolution. easyJet made it possible for millions to “fly to Scotland for the price of a pair of jeans” just £29 one-way, a cheeky slogan that would go on to define an entire generation of travellers.
Today, easyJet is Europe’s second-largest low-cost carrier, with over 350 aircraft, 1,000 routes, and more than 100 million passengers every year.
And to mark the milestone, the airline has recreated that first historic flight, crewed entirely by pilots and cabin crew turning 30 this month. The “Generation easyJet” celebration might just be the most feel-good flight of the year.
30 Years of the “easyJet Effect”
A new report marking easyJet’s 30th birthday reveals just how much the airline has transformed the UK’s skies and economy:
61% growth in UK–Europe connectivity since 1995
170 new direct routes operated by easyJet alone
£21 billion contribution to the UK economy in the last year
243,600 jobs supported that’s £300 of GVA for every UK resident
Even more impressive? easyJet fares are cheaper in real terms than in 1995. A £29 fare back then equals around £58 today with inflation, but you can still find seats from just £14.99 in the 30th birthday sale.
👉 Celebrate easyJet’s 30th Birthday with up to 30% off Flights (ends 11 November, 3pm) and check my Long-Haul Travel Essentials Black Friday Guide to score luggage and gadgets for less.
From Disruption to Dependability
I’ve flown hundreds of easyJet flights since my first one back in 1999 to Marrakech, Ibiza, Venice, Copenhagen, Iceland, Santorini, Mykonos, Lille, Nice, Amsterdam, Edinburgh and beyond.
In all those years, I’ve barely had a single serious delay or issue.It’s a consistently good product: efficient, friendly, and exactly what it promises to be.
There’s no fluff or fake luxury, just bold orange honesty.Want extra legroom or to sit next to someone? Pay for it. Don’t want to? Don’t. It’s aviation made simple and it works.
🅿️ Airport Parking Compare prices and save up to 75% at Luton, Gatwick, Manchester and more with Compare Parking Prices UK →
The Airline That Changed How We Pack
If you’ve flown easyJet, you’ve probably had at least one “does this bag fit?” moment.
Their strict but fair baggage policy has spawned thousands of viral packing hacks and millions of Cabin Max bags sold.I tested the rules myself in these popular guides:
If you’re flying soon, they’re must-reads, especially with the airline’s updated size limits and new “large cabin bag” add-on.
Best Bag for easyJet Flights
Cabin Max Metz 30L – My easyJet Go-To
Size: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
This bag nails easyJet’s free cabin allowance, it uses every millimetre without going over. I once did a 3-night Morocco trip with just this (yes, including souvenirs).
✅ 30L capacity, fits under seat
✅ Padded straps for comfort
✅ Loads of colours and styles
Also available on Amazon 👉 Check the latest colours
easyJet Plus: Still a Game-Changer at 30
When I first tried it, I called it “the best £249 a frequent flyer can spend”.easyJet Plus still gives loyal travellers a premium experience on a budget airline:fast-track security, dedicated bag drop, free seat selection, and front-row boarding, perfect if you fly often across Europe.
You don’t need to be a business traveller to love it; you just need to love efficiency.Not ready to commit to full membership? easyJet Flex Pass gives you flexibility for a tenner, perfect for spontaneous travellers.
🍸 Lounge Access Why wait at the gate when you could sip a pre-flight prosecco?
Get 30% off a Priority Pass membership → and access 1,700+ lounges worldwide.
See my pick for the Best Lounge at Gatwick before you book your next trip.
easyJet Delays, Are They Really That Common?
Despite what the tabloids suggest, easyJet has a surprisingly strong punctuality record for a low-cost carrier of its size.
My analysis of CAA delay data found they’re often on par with British Airways on short-haul routes.Here’s the full breakdown in my post:
Back when I was a performance Manager at a London Airport, I loved working with the easyJet teams!
From Luton to the World
easyJet’s new report shows how dramatically travel habits have evolved:
94% of Brits say holidaying abroad as a family is easier now than in their childhood
83% say they travel abroad more regularly
70% say cheap flights have helped them keep long-distance friendships alive
From city breaks in Amsterdam to beach weeks in Tenerife, easyJet’s orange aircraft have become as much a part of the European landscape as Aperol spritzes and tapas.
Complete Guide to London Luton Airport (2026 Edition)
Oh look who featured on easyJets social media back in 2022!
Plane Tip: If you’re planning an easyJet trip soon, especially from Luton, Gatwick, or Manchester check my airport guides and lounge reviews before you fly:
Thirty years on, the airline still sticks to its founding mission:
“To make flying easy and affordable for everyone.”
It’s not just an airline it’s a mindset.No-frills, no-nonsense, just good-value flying that has democratised the skies.
Here’s to the next 30 years of orange-winged adventures and if you fancy joining the celebrations, there’s no better time to grab a deal.
Happy Birthday, easyJet
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading easyJet Turns 30: How a £29 Flight from Luton Changed Europe Forever.
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Get 30% off a Priority Pass membership → and access 1,700+ lounges worldwide.
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