Paper long abstract:

In the 1990s Europe witnessed the birth of low-cost-carrier companies which has given a new quality to the democratisation of transport. In spite of ecological concern a landscape out of (shadow) capital cities, well established tourist destinations and those with a lower profile in the periphery of new member states has been created. From second home dwelling to stag nights tourism it incorporates diverse needs and allows multiple desires of mobility to a variety of social actors. At the same time, others are confined to only witness these mobilities.

The paper examines this new dimension of Europeanization with respect to its effects on the materiality of the city, the sensation of urban space and its imagination. Findings from initial inquiries into the discursive technologies involved in conveying a possible "low-cost-urbanity" from Berlin, Riga and Paris will be presented as well as different types of urban responsiveness to these new aero-mobilities.