By Emily Allen
Last updated at 6:35 PM on 2nd August 2011
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge flew with Flybe to Manchester
Next time you catch a budget flight to your holiday destination of choice, keep your eyes peeled, you could well be travelling with royalty.
It seems the Royal Family are going down in the world, right down to our level in fact, and choosing no-frills carriers as their airlines of choice.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have led the way and were spotted on varying budget flights this weekend to travel to the wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall in Edinburgh.
Prince William and his bride eschewed the luxury of a private plane and instead chose a Flybe jet to make their trip from Edinburgh to Manchester.
It is understood they flew with body guards - but went through the usual check in and security procedures.
Meanwhile, a hungover Prince Harry chose EasyJet to make his way home to London - although it is not clear whether he landed at Stansted, Gatwick or Luton.
The 26-year-old army helicopter pilot also flew to the Scottish city with the airline - checking in his green army-issue bag for 10 - after paying around 16.50 for the flight.
Flying high: Many passengers were shocked to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on board the Flybe flight to Manchester
News of the thrifty Royals will no doubt be welcome among taxpayers - millions of whom are struggling to make ends meet themselves with rising food and fuel prices as well as cuts to services.
During the recession the Queen urged her family to show restraint in the recession and to avoid overt displays of extravagance.
However, not all members of the Royal family are so purse-conscious.
Harry on a budget: The Prince arrives at the Palace of Holyroodhouse with his army-style bag after flying with EasyJet - his luggage label clearly on display
Prince Andrew - dubbed Airmiles Andy for his extravagant use of publicly funded travel - has a particular fondness for the Queen's helicopter which he uses to hop around in from engagement to engagement - at great expense.
Kate and William are understood to have sat with other passengers on their Flybe flight as the airline does not have a first class section.
They landed at Manchester because Prince William is based at Anglesey, where he carries out flying duties for the RAF and it is their nearest international airport.
Why pay more? Prince Harry flew with EasyJet to and from the wedding shunning his VIP lifestyle
The royal couple arrived at the airport at 7.40pm on Sunday after boarding Flybe flight BE298 - but they were quickly whisked off in a private car waiting for them on the airfield.
Dressed down: Prince Harry leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse ready to board his EasyJet flight to London
Flybe's one concession to extra luxury is Economy Plus where passengers are treated to complimentary drinks and snacks on board. Fares for the one way trip from Edinburgh start at 36.
One way flights from Edinburgh to Manchester with the airline start at 37.99.
Airport bosses spent 20,000 on a makeover for their Royal lounge.
Staff feared the exclusive haunt - the location of which is top secret - was lacking the wow factor and splashed out on a major refurbishment.
But they will have to wait a little longer to find out if it gets the Royal seal of approval - because the couple didn't enter the terminals this time.
A Manchester Airport spokesman said: 'With the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge living not too far away in North Wales, we were hoping to see them more often and become their local international airport of choice and we are looking forward to welcoming them through our doors over the coming years. We've even given our Royal Lounge a makeover in time for their next visit.'
A spokeswoman for Flybe said she was unable to confirm if the couple flew with the company because the airline 'respects the privacy' of all its passengers.
An EasyJet spokesman said it could not disclose the names of any passengers either. A one-way flight from Edinburgh to London costs from 26 depending on when you travel.
England rugby player Mike Tindall and his new bride Zara Phillips leave their wedding ceremony - many guests including three Royals travelled on budget airlines
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