Free carry-on baggage on low-cost airlines, the size you need to respect to avoid paying
Cheap flights at unbelievable prices, but when you arrive at the airport you discover that your backpack costs 70 euros [...]
Cheap flights at unbelievable prices, but when you arrive at the airport you discover that your backpack costs 70 euros of supplement. Did this happen to you, too? Le low cost airlines have made the rules on free baggage increasingly restrictive, and just an inch more is enough to find yourself paying steep penalties.
In this article:
The good news is that they all allow free carry-on luggage, the one that goes under the seat. The bad news is that each company has different sizes and the checks are very strict. Let's see exactly what you can take for free with Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Volotea, Eurowings and Vueling, and which backpacks or bags to buy to avoid surprises.
Luggage size comparison table by hand free
In order not to get lost, let's start by putting all the data into an outline to get an overview
| Company | Maximum dimensions | Maximum weight |
| Ryanair | 40x30x20 cm | Not specified (recommended max 10kg) |
| EasyJet | 45x36x20 cm | 15 kg |
| Wizz Air | 40x30x20 cm | 10 kg |
| Volotea | 40x30x20 cm | 10 kg |
| Eurowings | 40x30x25 cm | Not specified |
| Vueling | 40x20x30 cm | Not specified |
As you can see, the dimensions change slightly from company to company. EasyJet is the most generous, while the others have very similar sizes to each other. The general advice: if you fly with more than one airline, choose a backpack that meets the most restrictive measurements, so you are on the safe side everywhere.
Ryanair free carry-on baggage 40x30x20 cm
Ryanair Has changed the rules several times in recent years, creating much confusion. The current situation is clear: all passengers can carry free of charge one small piece of luggage of maximum 40x30x20 cm, to be placed under the seat in front. There is no official weight limit, but better to stay under 10 kg for safety. If you also want to carry a larger trolley to put in the hat box, you need to buy thePriority option which costs between 6 and 60 euros each way, depending on when you buy it. Ryanair's controls Are the strictest ever. They use rigid gauges at the gate and if your backpack doesn't fit perfectly you pay 70 euro penalty. Even one centimeter more costs you dearly.
Xkdoai backpack for flying with Ryanair
Recommended backpack for Ryanair: Xkdoai Backpack 40x30x20 - This backpack is exactly the right size for Ryanair and is made of stretch fabric that fits the gauge better. It costs about 25 euros and has well organized pockets, including a laptop compartment. Reviews confirm that it passes Ryanair checks without a problem.
EasyJet free luggage 45x36x20 cm
EasyJet is definitely the most generous of the low-cost airlines. It allows a baggage hand free of 45x36x20 cm with maximum weight of 15 kg, to be placed under the seat. These are very convenient sizes that allow you to carry everything you need for a weekend without paying extra. For a larger hat rack trolley you need to buy the option Large Cabin Bag or have rates Up Front or Extra Legroom. The cost starts at an additional 8 euros. EasyJet also controls size, but is generally less strict than Ryanair. If you exceed the size, your luggage goes in the hold and you pay 29 euros at the airport.
Recommended backpack for EasyJet: VMIKIV Backpack 45x36x20 - Designed specifically for EasyJet, with dimensions 45x36x20 cm that make use of all available space. It has 15-inch laptop compartment, waterproof fabric and costs about 30 euros. Also perfect for other airlines since it is smaller than their limits.
Wizz Air maximum size granted 40x30x20 cm
Wizz Air has the same dimensions as Ryanair: 40x30x20 cm with maximum weight of 10 kg. There is a small tolerance for handles and casters If they do not exceed an additional 5 cm. Baggage goes under the seat and even here the controls are very strict. If you want larger luggage you can buy Wizz Priority which starts at 4 euros online and goes up to 40 euros. It allows you to take a 55x40x23 cm trolley and gives you priority boarding. If you get caught with oversized luggage the penalty is 25 euros, less than Ryanair but still steep.
Cabin Zero one of the most popular brands
Recommended backpack for Wizz Air: Cabin Zero Classic 28 - A quality backpack with dimensions 39×29.5×20 cm, so perfect for Wizz Air. It is lightweight, durable and has a 10-year warranty. It costs a little more than 50 euros but is a long-lasting investment. Available in lots of colors.
Volotea free carry-on baggage 40x30x20 cm
Volotea also allows a free carry-on baggage of 40x30x20 cm with weight maximum 10 kg under the seat. The rules are the same with Ryanair and Wizz Air, so if you have a backpack that fits one of them it fits all of them. What is special about Volotea is that if you buy priority boarding (from 9 euros and up) you can also bring a 55x40x20 cm trolley. Be careful, though: the total weight of the two pieces of luggage must not exceed 10 kg. If you exceed the size or weight, the penalty is very high: 65 euros per piece and per route.
Recommended backpack for Volotea: Cabin Max Metz - High quality product with exact dimensions 40x30x20 cm. This backpack is specifically designed for low cost and is made of recycled rPET polystyrene, so it is also an environmentally friendly choice. The suitcase-like opening allows you to better organize your space; it has a 13-inch laptop compartment and multiple pockets for documents and accessories. Padded shoulder straps make carrying comfortable even for longer trips.
Eurowings free backpack 40x30x25 cm
Eurowings is a hair more generous on size: 40x30x25 cm with no specified weight limit for small baggage. This free carry-on luggage is included in the BASIC fare and must be placed under the seat in front of you. With the SMART fare you can also take one large piece of luggage 55x40x23 cm and maximum 8 kg to put in the overhead compartment. The cost to add it starts at 18 euros. Eurowings checks are not as infamous as Ryanair's but better not to risk it and stay within the limits.
Recommended backpack for Eurowings: SZSYCN Travel Backpack - Size 40x30x25 cm perfect for Eurowings. It has the special feature of having a vacuum compression system with pump included that allows you to reduce the volume when needed. It costs about 30 euros and is very versatile.
Vueling maximum free size 40x20x30 cm
Vueling has slightly different dimensions for free carry-on baggage: 40x20x30 cm. Be careful because the height and depth are reversed from other airlines. It is a narrower but deeper piece of luggage. Again no weight limit specified but the 10 kg rule always applies for safety. To carry a larger 55x40x20 cm trolley you need to buy the Priority option which costs between 24 and 60 euros one way. Vueling is part of the IAG group along with Iberia and British Airways, so the rules are similar to these companies.
Suitable for several low cost this Lossga backpack.
Recommended backpack for Vueling: Lossga Backpack 40x20x30 - Specifically designed for Vueling with the correct dimensions reversed. It has anti-theft pocket, USB port for powerbank and costs about 25 euros. Also works well for all other companies since it still stays within the limits.
Practical tips for flying without paying extra
Buy a backpack from the right measures And don't improvise with random bags. Soft backpacks are better than rigid ones because they fit the gauges better. Those with elastic fabric even more so. Avoid backpacks with external pockets that stick out too much and increase the overall size.
Measure your backpack at home before you leave. Don't trust the dimensions stated by the manufacturer, measure it yourself with a tape measure including handles, overhangs and full pockets. If in doubt, try fitting it into a box of the exact size limit. If it fits without forcing, you're all set.
Do not overfill it. Even if the empty dimensions are correct, when you fill it up it may swell And exceed the limits. Companies measure full luggage, not empty luggage. Always leave some margin and compress your clothes well. As for carry-on weight, do a smart thing: wear your heaviest shoes during the flight and put light ones in your backpack. Same with heavy jackets and sweatshirts. The weight you have on you doesn't count, so you can take advantage of this to carry more stuff without exceeding baggage limits.
Arrive at the airport a little early to avoid the stress of screening. If you have time you can always rearrange your luggage in case of problems. If you run you risk being forced to pay the penalty without being able to do anything.
Is it worth buying Priority?
It depends on how much you travel and how much stuff you have to carry. If you only do weekend and light travel free baggage is enough. If, on the other hand. you leave for a week or have special needs Priority almost always pays off. Prices start at 6-10 euros one way, so 12-20 euros round trip. That's less than the penalty you would pay if you are caught with the wrong luggage.
Priority also gives you boarding among the first, so you find room in the overhead compartment. Without Priority you have to board last and often there is no more room, so your luggage ends up in the hold anyway. You basically pay for Priority to make sure you keep your luggage with you. Another factor is how much your time is worth. Waiting for your luggage at the belt after your flight costs you 20-30 minutes minimum. If you are in a hurry or have tight connections, Priority saves you a lot of time. These are details that make the difference between a comfortable trip and a stressful one.
The rules are constantly changing
Last important tip: low-cost airlines rules change onl bagaglme by hand for free often enough. What is true today may not be true six months from now. Before each flight, always check the company's official website for current sizes and any penalties.
Do not trust old articles or word-of-mouth information. As for this article on The Flight Club we will try to keep it up to date. When in doubt always look for the official source. Better to waste two minutes checking than to find yourself paying a 70 euro penalty for an inch too much. Low cost airlines are good at making you pay little for your ticket but great at making you pay dearly for every extra.
