However, long-distance budget travel is not for everyone.

It's all very well sacrificing leg space and the chance of a warming meal on a two-hour flight to Malaga, but it's an experience that may grate slightly when you're flying all the way over the Atlantic. And the stopover may also be a turn-off for some.

WOW air's US-bound flights will be operated on its Airbus A321 extended range aircraft, while its existing Airbus A320 fleet will carry passengers from London to Iceland on the first leg of the journey.

Throughout the history of air travel, airlines have dabbled with the idea of cheap long-distance flights but it hasn't always been successful.

Thirty years ago, Laker Airways tried to launch budget transatlantic routes but failed to make them work.

It's understood technical developments in aircraft manufacture over the past few years have made the concept a serious proposition once again. Other budget airlines are likely to be watching the development of WOW air and Norwegian's transatlantic flights with interest.

WOW air launched in November 2011 and is committed to providing cheap flights "with a smile and a memorable service".

Its US-bound flights go on sale from today. Find out more and book tickets here.

Now you can fly to the States from £99