• Boston Globe, Thursday, May 24, 2007 1 PM

Skybus -- a start-up airline based in Columbus, Ohio -- is bringing to the United States the ultra-cheap rates offered in Europe by carriers such as RyanAir and EasyJet. It promises at least 10 $10 fares on every flight for its seven routes, and its Web site offers only $30 to $150 one-way tickets -- significantly less expensive than other airlines.

All a Skybus ticket buys, though, is a seat on the plane. Passengers have to pay $5 to check a bag, $8 for a blanket, $15 for a pillow, and $10 to wait at the front of the line, since there are no assigned seats. Meals and drinks are also extra.

There are no movies -- and the airline squeezes 144 coach seats on a plane model that holds 124 or 126 seats in two classes on most other carriers. Also holding down costs: There is no phone number customers can call. All tickets are sold online, and the only access to Skybus customer service is the gate agent at the airport.

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