> But industry observers say there’s a reason most air travel is so expensive. It’s difficult both to offer great deals and spend the money needed for a reliable fleet.

In Europe it seems to work ok for low-cost airlines. Compared to state-airlines the aircraft are newer and cleaner, and they aren't know for reliability issues. As a customer that suggests they are better maintained - and nobody is going to prop them up if something goes wrong, so they have more incentive to do so.