Flew ZRH-LTN (London Luton) last month on easyJet for CHF 40, when BA wanted CHF 1175 for ZRH-LHR at almost exactly the same time.

Inbound plane was late, but turnaround was very quick, so we left 20 minutes late and got in 10 minutes early.

There was NO check-in line at all 90 minutes before scheduled departure, and I was the 20th person to check in on a nearly full flight. I imagine there must have been a line sometime later, but I didn't see it.

The gate personnel were at first not very good about enforcing the boarding rules (boarding pass #s 1-30 board first, then 31-60, etc) but after a couple of people complained, they started turning away queue-jumpers.

I'd certainly do it again, given the same unpalatable alternatives.