In spite of the 'no frills' services offered by businesses such as easyJet, it seems that 'frills' are still in demand from consumers.

US airline Eos is now offering direct flights between London Stansted and New York's JFK airport in the firm's stylish Boeing 575 plane. The aircraft seats 48 passengers (instead of the usual 220) and charges around £1,500 for what it boasts is a "superior travel experience".

The new service signals the start of a potential price war between other airlines that provide luxury trans-Atlantic crossings, including Virgin and British Airways. It could in fact encourage these firms to price their services more competitively, allowing more consumers to take up luxury travel options. And it may be part of a broader travel trend that moves away from the cheap-as-chips mini-break and towards an altogether more luxurious type of holiday.

While low-budget airlines will undoubtedly remain popular with backpackers, holidaymakers and business travellers on a budget, the experience offered by Eos does signal that consumers are increasingly willing to put their hands in their pockets for a premium service.