Budget airlines in Europe derive a significant portion of their revenue from ancillary fees, and baggage charges are the biggest contributor. Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling, and other low-cost carriers each have different rules for cabin bags, personal items, and checked luggage. Understanding these policies before you book is essential — a €25–50 bag fee added at check-in or the gate can double the cost of what seemed like a €19 flight.
The rules also change frequently. Airlines regularly adjust dimensions, weight limits, and pricing, often making free allowances smaller while pushing paid options. This guide reflects current policies, but always verify directly with your airline before traveling.
Ryanair's basic fare includes one small personal bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm) that must fit under the seat in front of you. This is roughly the size of a laptop bag or small backpack. No overhead bin access is included with the basic fare. To bring a 10 kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm) that goes in the overhead bin, you need to purchase Priority Boarding or the Plus/Flexi fare bundle.
Checked bags are available from €13–30 per flight (prices vary by route and season) for a 10 kg bag, or €20–40 for a 20 kg bag. Buying checked luggage at the airport is significantly more expensive — often €40–50 at the gate. Always add bags during booking or at least 2 hours before departure online.
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Ryanair strictly enforces bag dimensions. Gate agents frequently check bags with a sizing frame, and oversized bags incur a €50–70 fee. Invest in a bag that fits exactly within their dimensions — several brands now make bags specifically designed for Ryanair's personal item size. Compression packing cubes help maximize the space within these tight limits.
easyJet includes one cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) with every fare, which goes under the seat. Overhead bin access requires an Upfront or Extra Legroom seat, or the Plus/Flexi bundle. The included bag is slightly larger than Ryanair's personal item, making it a better deal for hand-luggage-only travelers.
Checked baggage options include a 15 kg bag (from €8–30), a 23 kg bag (from €12–35), and a 32 kg bag (from €35–50). easyJet also offers a Hands Free option that lets you drop off your cabin bag at check-in and collect it at your destination, freeing you from carrying it through the airport — useful for short trips where you'd rather travel light through the terminal.
Wizz Air's basic fare includes one small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm). A trolley bag for the overhead bin (55 x 40 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg) requires WIZZ Priority. Checked bags start at around €13 for a 10 kg bag and go up to €35 for 32 kg. Wizz Air also offers a WIZZ Discount Club membership (€30/year) that reduces bag prices by €5 per bag per flight — worth it if you fly Wizz more than twice per year.
Vueling (IAG group, based in Barcelona) includes one cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10 kg) with the Basic fare — more generous than Ryanair or Wizz Air. Checked bags from €15–25 per flight. Eurowings (Lufthansa group) includes a personal item only with their Basic fare but allows a 8 kg cabin bag with Smart fare and above. Norwegian includes a small bag only with LowFare tickets; checked baggage from €12–30.
The most effective strategy is learning to travel with just the free personal item. For a weekend trip or even a week-long summer holiday, a well-packed 40 x 20 x 25 cm bag can hold everything you need. Key techniques include wearing your bulkiest items on the plane, using compression bags for clothes, and choosing versatile clothing that works for multiple occasions.
If you need more than the personal item, compare the cost of adding bags across different airlines before booking. A flight that costs €10 more but includes a cabin bag may be cheaper overall than the lowest fare plus a bag add-on. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare total costs including baggage.
The single most expensive mistake is showing up at the gate with an oversized or unregistered bag. Gate fees range from €25 to €70 depending on the airline. Always check your bag dimensions at home, weigh your bag, and purchase any needed baggage allowance online before arriving at the airport. Some airlines let you add bags via their app up to 2 hours before departure at online prices.
Bookmark this guide and check back before your trip — flights prices and policies change frequently.
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Vueling offers the most generous basic fare baggage, including a 10 kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm) with all tickets. easyJet's included cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) is the next best. Ryanair and Wizz Air only include a small personal bag with their cheapest fares.
Very strictly, especially Ryanair. Gate agents often use sizing frames to check bags, and oversized bags incur fees of €25–70. easyJet and Wizz Air also check frequently. Always measure your bag at home and ensure it fits within the published dimensions, including handles and wheels.
Always buy baggage online during booking or at least 2 hours before departure. Airport and gate prices are typically 50–100% more expensive. For example, a Ryanair 20 kg bag might cost €25 online but €45 at the airport. Adding bags via the airline's app is usually the same price as online booking.
Yes, most European budget airlines allow one duty-free shopping bag in addition to your regular cabin baggage allowance. However, the duty-free items must have been purchased at the airport after security. Check your specific airline's policy for any size restrictions on the duty-free bag.
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