For years, it's been evident that smaller airlines have had an operating advantage, particularly when they use less expensive airports. They've been able to post better numbers as a result, and in the current travel slump, they've outperformed the larger carriers. Well, they've also picked up a considerable amount of market share.

According to a report by USA Today, low cost carriers now have 30% of the market in the United States. Price-sensitive consumers are turning to cheaper alternatives, even if it means (for fliers with elite status) giving up the perks they've earned through years of customer loyalty.

Passenger annoyance has been on the rise over the past year, as airlines have found new and unusual fees to charge passengers. European low-cost carrier Ryanair (NASDAQ: RYAAY) has been at the tip of the spear, at one point considering a charge for access to the lavatory. The hidden secret in all this is that it works.

Ryanair's latest fee is nothing short of brilliant. The airline is now slapping customers with a €10 ($14) charge for printing boarding passes at home ... and €40 ($55) to do so at the airport. Since there's no other way to get your boarding pass, this translates to a minimum fee of $14 per flight (with a few small exceptions). Given the company's price advantage in the short-haul European space, the move is unlikely to drive passengers to competitors.