Be Aware of Luggage Allowance When Traveling With Low-Cost Airlines

Packing for a trip can be a nightmare for many. Picking out outfits, not having enough space in your suitcase, and worrying about going over the weight limit. But that’s not the only thing we have to watch out for when traveling. Because there are a lot more unpleasant surprises that might be waiting for you at the airport.

Low-Cost Airlines and Limited Baggage Allowance

With the emergence of “low-cost” airlines, travel has become significantly more affordable. Flights to dream European destinations can now be found for a few Euros. But there is one catch – you can only take one small bag with you with such a ticket. In addition, you are allowed to carry liquids with a maximum volume of 100 ml and you must carry them in a sealed transparent bag with a maximum volume of 1 litre. Anything over this limit goes straight into the bin at the security check. 

And what are the maximum dimensions of the carry-on bag itself? It usually has to fit under the seat in front of you. The limits for each low-cost carrier are as follows:

• Ryanair: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
• Wizzair: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
• easyJet: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
• Smartwings: 40 x 30 x 15 cm
• Vueling: 40 x 30 x 20 cm

For all the airlines mentioned, a small backpack in the given dimensions is included free of charge in the ticket. All other luggage (cabin baggage and checked baggage) must be purchased separately.

What Should I Do if I Need More Luggage?

You can of course buy cabin and checked baggage with your ticket. However, we always recommend adding luggage when you initially book your ticket, when it is offered at the lowest price. Even so, you should expect your ticket to significantly rise in price. If you find out after booking that you need additional luggage, you can buy it online at any time before departure.

What To Do if My Backpack Exceeds the Baggage Allowance?

If your backpack is significantly oversized on all sides, you have two options – either pay extra for the cabin bag option and keep your backpack in the overhead compartment, or look for a smaller bag. Travelling with a backpack has become very popular after Covid, and the range of backpacks with exact on-board dimensions is really large. 

But what if your current backpack only exceeds your carry-on by a few centimetres? Does anyone notice? Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that. You’ll often notice metal frames at each gate, which airport staff use to check the dimensions of your luggage. The check is not done before every flight, it depends on the staff’s decision, but also on whether or not the plane needs to be boarded quickly. The staff will usually pick out those whose luggage is clearly larger at first glance. These unlucky ones then have to stuff their bags into the metal frame. If your bag is only a few centimetres bigger, you can usually manage to get it all in the frame. 

TIP: A very common type of backpack among travelers is the Cabin Zero. Its 28-liter version may be a few inches over the given dimensions, but since employees are familiar with it and know that travelers with this backpack can fit into the frame with a little strength, they usually let these backpackers pass unnoticed.   
If you do not fit into the frame, you will have to pay a fee in the tens of euros.