Low-cost airlines – how to pack and avoid fees?

Cheap airlines offer attractive ticket prices, but they come with strict baggage rules. Exceeding the limits can mean additional fees, which can easily be avoided by using the right packing strategies. In the article, you will find practical tips on how to pack efficiently and in accordance with the requirements of airlines such as Wizz Air and Ryanair.

Hand luggage rules on low-cost airlines

Low-cost airlines often impose strict restrictions on hand luggage, which can lead to additional fees if we do not comply with their requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to check the current baggage regulations of the specific carrier before each flight to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Hand luggage limits – Wizz Air

On Wizz Air, passengers with a standard ticket (Basic) may bring one small piece of hand luggage. Currently, the allowable dimensions for the luggage are 40 x 30 x 20 cm and it must fit under the passenger's seat. Importantly, there is no weight limit for this fare, but the luggage must be light enough for the passenger to carry and place in the designated area. Passengers who need more luggage can take advantage of the WIZZ Priority option, which allows for an additional piece of hand luggage. This larger bag can measure 55 x 40 x 23 cm and weigh up to 10 kg. Additionally, under this option, the passenger is also entitled to bring a small bag (with dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm) and can benefit from a faster boarding procedure. Wizz Air is very strict when it comes to checking the dimensions of luggage, so it is extremely important to adhere to these rules to avoid extra charges.

Hand luggage limits – Ryanair

Baggage policy for passengers with standard tickets

Ryanair allows passengers traveling on a standard ticket to bring one small piece of hand luggage. The current dimensions of this luggage are 40 x 20 x 25 cm, and it must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. There are no weight restrictions, but it is important to remember that the luggage must be light enough for the passenger to lift it independently.

Priority Boarding option

For passengers who need more space for luggage, the Priority Boarding option is available. This allows them to bring an additional, larger piece of hand luggage with dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm and a weight of up to 10 kg. Additionally, passengers can take a small piece of luggage with dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm, just like with a standard ticket. The Priority Boarding option also offers priority boarding, which is convenient, especially for those who want to quickly take their seats or avoid queues. However, it is worth noting that the number of places with this option is limited, so it’s advisable to book in advance.

Choosing the Right Luggage

Choosing the right suitcase, backpack, or bag is a key element that helps avoid extra baggage fees with low-cost airlines. It is important that the luggage not only meets size requirements but is also lightweight and practical.

How to Choose a Suitcase that Meets Low-Cost Airline Requirements?

When selecting a suitcase for travel with low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air or Ryanair, it’s worth following a few rules that can help avoid problems at the airport.

• Lightweight: The suitcase should be as light as possible to avoid wasting valuable weight on the suitcase's construction itself. Lightweight models allow for carrying more items.
• Stiffness and Durability: It’s advisable to choose suitcases with hard sides, which are more resistant to impacts and better protect the contents. This way, you can avoid damage to your luggage during transport.
• Durable Materials: When choosing a suitcase, pay attention to the materials it’s made of. Materials such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, or nylon provide high durability while maintaining a low weight.
• Dimensions: It’s important that the suitcase meets the airline's size requirements. For example, for Wizz Air, the standard is (40 x 30 x 20 cm) or Ryanair (40 x 20 x 25 cm); the suitcase must fit these specifications to go under the seat.

Examples of Suitcases That Meet These Requirements:

• For Wizz Air: lightweight cabin suitcases measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm with hard or soft sides.
• For Ryanair: backpacks or suitcases measuring 40 x 20 x 25 cm that fit under the seat.

Differences in Suitcase Materials and Their Impact on Luggage Weight

The choice of suitcase material greatly affects luggage weight, which is particularly important with low-cost airlines. Lightweight and durable suitcases allow for better utilization of available weight limits.

• Polypropylene Suitcases: This material is popular due to its lightness and flexibility. Suitcases made of polypropylene are resistant to damage and do not add unnecessary weight to the luggage.
• HPX® Resin: This innovative material is used in more durable suitcases. It is not only lightweight but also exceptionally resistant to impacts and mechanical damage, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers who need durable luggage.

Is it worth investing in lightweight suitcases at the cost of price? Yes, if you want to avoid additional fees for exceeding weight limits, investing in a lightweight yet durable suitcase can pay off quickly. Suitcases made of materials such as polypropylene or HPX® Resin may be more expensive but offer longer lifespan and travel comfort.

Techniques for Effective Packing in a Small Suitcase

Traveling with low-cost airlines often means the necessity of limiting the number of items we can take with us. Effective packing is an art that allows you to make the most of the available space in your luggage without exceeding weight or size limits.

Minimalist Approach to Packing

Minimalism is the key to success when we have a small bag. Here are some tips on how to limit the number of clothes and items to pack efficiently:

• Limit the number of items to a minimum: Ask yourself what is truly essential. Instead of bringing several pairs of shoes or outfits for every occasion, choose one versatile pair of shoes and outfits that can be easily mixed and matched.
• Choose versatile clothing: Bring clothing that is suitable for various situations. For example, a light jacket that can be worn both while walking around the city and for an evening out, or pants that can be worn in both casual and more formal styles.
• Prepare a list: Make a list of things you need to take and try to stick to only those essential items. This way, you will avoid packing unnecessary things.

Practical Packing Techniques

A well-chosen packing strategy allows you to maximize available space and reduce the risk of wrinkling clothes. Here are some tried-and-true methods:

• Rolling clothes: Instead of folding clothes traditionally, roll them up. This method not only saves space but also prevents wrinkles. Rolling works particularly well for lightweight fabrics, such as T-shirts or pants.
• Using vacuum bags: Vacuum bags are a great solution if you need to take a larger amount of clothes or thicker items, such as jackets. By sucking out the air, you reduce the volume of the clothes, which saves a lot of space in your suitcase.
• Compression bags: Compression bags work similarly to vacuum bags but are easier to use since they do not require air extraction. You simply place the clothes in the bag and then roll it up to remove excess air, which also reduces the volume of the packed items.

By using the above techniques, you can meet the requirements of low-cost airlines like Wizz Air or Ryanair and avoid additional baggage fees.

Cosmetics and Liquids – How to Transport Them According to Regulations

Traveling with cosmetics and other liquids in carry-on luggage is strictly regulated by safety regulations. To avoid problems at the airport, it is essential to know and adhere to specific limits regarding the transport of liquids.

Limits on Carrying Liquids in Carry-On Luggage

All liquids, cosmetics, creams, gels, and aerosols transported in carry-on luggage must meet rigorous requirements regarding capacity and packaging:

• Maximum container capacity: A single container of liquid cannot exceed a volume of 100 ml. This applies not only to drinks or cosmetics but also to creams, toothpaste, perfumes, gels, and other products with a liquid or semi-liquid consistency.
• Total capacity of liquids: All liquids must be placed in a clear, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. The bag should be easily accessible for security checks, and each passenger can have only one such bag. It is important that all containers together do not exceed this volume.

Which Cosmetics Are Worth Packing?

Transporting cosmetics in carry-on luggage can be challenging, especially when trying to adhere to limits. Here are a few practical tips:

• Miniature cosmetics: It's worth investing in miniature versions of your favorite cosmetics or using small, reusable containers to transfer the necessary products. Many brands offer travel sets that are adapted to airline requirements.
• Multifunctional cosmetics: Choose cosmetics that can serve more than one function, such as UV filter creams that also moisturize the skin or shampoo bars that do not count as liquids.
• Is it worth buying cosmetics on-site?: If you're traveling to a popular tourist destination, consider buying cosmetics upon arrival, especially if you plan a longer stay. This way, you can save space in your luggage and won't have to worry about limits at the airport.

Following these guidelines will help avoid stress related to security checks and the risk of having to throw away cosmetics.

Avoiding Additional Fees for Checked Baggage

In budget airlines, checked baggage often comes with extra costs. However, in certain situations, it may be worth paying for the ability to transport more items, especially on longer trips or when carrying unusual items.

When is it Worth Paying for Checked Baggage?

The decision to purchase checked baggage should be well thought out to avoid unnecessary expenses. Here are situations where it is worth considering an additional fee:

• Longer Trips: If you are planning a trip for more than a few days, especially in colder months, it can be challenging to fit all the necessary items in a small carry-on. In such cases, purchasing checked baggage may be more economical than trying to limit yourself.
• Traveling with Children: Families traveling with children usually need more space for personal items and children's accessories. It is worth opting for additional baggage to make the trip more comfortable.
• Shopping During the Trip: If you know that you plan to shop significantly at your destination, it is advisable to anticipate additional space for the return trip and pay for checked baggage in advance.
• Transporting Unusual Items: Some items, such as sports equipment (e.g., skis, bicycles) or large electronic devices, cannot be transported in carry-on luggage. In such cases, checked baggage becomes a necessity.

Regulations for Transporting Large Items and Electronics

Transporting large items and electronic equipment is subject to special regulations, especially regarding safety and weight limits. Here are key rules:

• Transporting Electronic Equipment: Laptops, tablets, cameras, and other valuable devices should be carried in carry-on luggage to avoid damage or theft in the cargo hold. However, if you are transporting larger electronic equipment (e.g., professional cameras), check if it exceeds the airline's weight limits.
• Rules for Transporting Valuables: Valuable items such as jewelry, documents, money, and electronic devices should always be carried in carry-on luggage. Budget airlines, like most carriers, recommend that passengers do not transport such items in checked baggage, as recovering the value of items may be difficult in case of loss or damage to the luggage.
• Transporting Larger Items: If you are transporting large items, such as sports equipment (e.g., snowboard, bicycle), you must declare them when booking your ticket. Each airline has different rules regarding fees and weight limits, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with the carrier's regulations.

Understanding these rules helps avoid unnecessary fees and problems associated with transporting large or valuable items when traveling with budget airlines.

Additional Tricks to Avoid Fees

If we want to maximize the use of available space in our carry-on luggage while avoiding extra fees, it's worth using some proven tricks that will allow us to take more items without exceeding the limits set by budget airlines.

Layered Clothing – A Way to Reduce Luggage Weight

One of the most effective ways to reduce the weight of your suitcase is to wear layered clothing. Budget airlines do not impose restrictions on how many layers of clothing we can have on during the flight, so it’s worth taking advantage of this.

• What clothes should you wear?: You can wear heavier items such as a jacket, hoodie, or sweater, instead of packing them in your suitcase. Additionally, you can wear several lighter layers like T-shirts, shirts, and leggings. This way, you free up space in your luggage for other items.
• Pockets in Jackets: Use the pockets in your jackets or hoodies to carry small items like your phone, documents, or wallet, which allows you to further lighten your carry-on luggage.

Using a Personal Bag (Handbag, Small Backpack)

Most budget airlines, including Wizz Air and Ryanair, allow passengers to take an additional personal bag, such as a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag, without extra fees. It’s worth fully utilizing this privilege to carry additional items that don’t fit in your suitcase.

• What items are worth transferring to the personal bag?:
  • Electronics such as a laptop, tablet, camera, or power bank. Electronic devices are often heavy, so moving them to your personal bag saves valuable weight in your suitcase.
  • Documents, books, and other small items that can take up a lot of space in your carry-on luggage.
  • Cosmetics, especially liquids, which can easily be carried in a transparent bag within your personal bag.
• Examples of items that can be taken additionally without fees:
  • A small bottle of water or a drink purchased after passing through security.
  • Snacks on board, such as sandwiches or bars.
  • A book or e-book, which not only makes the journey more enjoyable but also won’t add weight to your main luggage.

By using these tricks, you can effectively reduce the weight of your carry-on luggage and optimally utilize the space you have available while avoiding additional baggage fees.

Do you already know how to pack for low-cost airlines?

Traveling with low-cost airlines can be extremely cost-effective if you prepare properly for packing and avoid extra fees. Key rules to keep in mind to avoid overpaying for luggage are:

• Understanding the baggage policy of each airline: Knowing the dimensions and weight limits for carry-on luggage as well as optional services, such as Priority Boarding, is crucial. Airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair have strictly defined requirements that are easy to check before your trip.
• Choosing the right suitcase: Investing in a lightweight, durable suitcase that meets the size requirements can help avoid unnecessary complications at the airport.
• Effective packing techniques: A minimalist approach to packing and using techniques like rolling clothes or utilizing vacuum bags can save a lot of space.
• Following liquid regulations: Remember that all liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag with a capacity of 1 liter.
• Considering checked baggage in appropriate situations: Longer trips, transporting large items, or shopping locally may require purchasing checked baggage, which in some cases is more economical than limiting yourself to small carry-on luggage.
• Using an additional personal bag: Make use of every possible space that a personal bag offers to carry extra items like electronics, documents, or snacks.

Early planning and awareness of airline requirements help minimize stress related to packing and allow you to enjoy your trip without unnecessary costs.