Baggage Policy of Major Airlines in Europe

When preparing for a trip across Europe, understanding the baggage policies of low-cost airlines is crucial to avoid unexpected fees. Many travelers overlook these regulations, leading to costly penalties that can exceed the price of their tickets! Below, we delve deeply into the baggage policies of major low-cost airlines in Europe, ensuring you’re well-informed before your journey.

Understanding baggage policies of low-cost airlines in Europe

Low-cost airlines often attract travelers with their competitive ticket prices. However, these savings can quickly evaporate if you don’t pay attention to their baggage policies. Here’s a detailed look at the baggage restrictions and fees imposed by some of the most popular low-cost carriers.

Ryanair: A closer look at their baggage policy

Hand baggage: If you opt for priority boarding at an additional cost of €5, you are allowed to carry one larger cabin bag weighing up to 10 kg with maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm, plus an additional smaller item not exceeding 35 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm. Without this priority option, the larger bag must be checked in for free at the gate, while you can carry the smaller item on board.

Checked baggage: To check a bag, expect to pay €25 for a maximum weight of 20 kg. If you add baggage after booking, the fee increases to €40, and during peak seasons, it can spike to €35. Additionally, Ryanair charges €10 per extra kg over the 20 kg limit, allowing passengers to check up to three bags.

EasyJet: Flexible yet risky baggage options

Hand baggage: EasyJet permits one piece of hand luggage up to 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm without a weight limit, which is quite generous. However, exceeding these dimensions incurs a hefty fee of over €60 at the airport!

Checked baggage: Passengers can check up to three bags, with each bag weighing a maximum of 20 kg. Fees vary by route and can range from €16.90 to €39 when booked online. Last-minute check-in can cost up to €60, and additional weight beyond 20 kg incurs €14 per kg on top of the base fare.

Vueling: Standard policies with options

Hand baggage: Vueling allows one hand luggage piece weighing up to 10 kg and measuring 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm, plus a smaller bag not exceeding 35 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm.

Checked baggage: The first checked bag costs €13 when booked online, jumping to €35 at the airport. For a second or third bag, expect to pay €40 online and €70 at the airport. Each bag can weigh up to 23 kg, with excess weight charged at a rate of €12 per kg.

Transavia: A balance of flexibility and cost

Hand baggage: Transavia allows one piece of luggage up to 10 kg. Bags measuring up to 40 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm are guaranteed to fit in the cabin; larger bags (up to 55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm) may be checked in without extra charge.

Checked baggage: The checked baggage fee starts at a minimum of 15 kg and can vary from €9 to €28 online, depending on the route. Expect to pay €30 at the airport, with an additional charge of approximately €10 for every extra 5 kg beyond the minimum weight.

Norwegian: Simple yet effective baggage rules

Hand baggage: Norwegian allows one hand luggage piece measuring up to 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm, plus a small personal item not exceeding 25 cm x 33 cm x 20 cm. The total weight should not surpass 10 kg.

Checked baggage: Prices for checked bags vary based on route and season, making it essential to check their website for specific fees related to your flight.

Flybe: Strict size and weight limits

Hand baggage: Flybe permits one piece of hand luggage up to 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm and weighing no more than 10 kg. Exceeding these limits could incur a penalty of up to £50!

Checked baggage: The first checked bag costs €19 for up to 15 kg, while a 20 kg bag is priced at €20. Waiting until the airport incurs fees starting at €54, making online booking a more economical choice.

Wizz Air: A cost-effective approach to baggage

Hand baggage: Passengers can take one cabin bag measuring 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm, with a maximum weight of 10 kg.

Checked baggage: The cost for a checked bag up to 20 kg is €21 when booked online, increasing to €55 at the airport. For bags weighing up to 32 kg, expect to pay €27 online and €75 at the airport.

Volotea: Comprehensive baggage allowances

Hand baggage: You can carry one piece of luggage along with a smaller bag, provided they do not exceed a combined weight of 10 kg. The larger bag can measure up to 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.

Checked baggage: The first bag weighs up to 20 kg and costs €15 when booked online, but can soar to €60 if purchased at the airport. Excess baggage is charged at €12 per kg up to a maximum of 32 kg.

Iberia Express: Exclusive baggage standards

Hand baggage: Travelers can take one larger bag measuring 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm alongside a personal accessory, such as a small handbag or a laptop case. A penalty of €60 applies for exceeding these dimensions.

Checked baggage: If you booked the Express fare (the cheapest), you’ll need to pay for checked luggage. A bag up to 23 kg costs €15 or €20 depending on the route, escalating to €30 or €35 if booked at the airport. Exceeding the weight limit incurs a hefty charge of €60.

Summary of baggage policies

In conclusion, being well-versed in the baggage policies of these low-cost airlines can save you significant money and stress during your travels. Each airline has its own set of regulations and fees, so always check their respective websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information before flying. Remember, all hand luggage is subject to size restrictions, and exceeding these limits can lead to costly penalties at the airport!

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