Low-cost airlines: how to avoid unnecessary extra fees

Baggage is the biggest risk

Carry-on baggage dimensions are often checked at the gate with rigid templates, and even a few centimeters of excess can cost a penalty higher than the ticket price. Before traveling it is worth verifying the exact dimensions allowed by your fare on the airline's website, because they vary from carrier to carrier and sometimes even between different fares of the same airline. To understand with certainty what is included in your ticket, it can be helpful to consult this guide on how to verify baggage included.

Online check-in: the only way to avoid paying at the counter

Many low-cost airlines apply a penalty to those who show up at the counter without having done online check-in or without a boarding pass ready on app or printed. It is a cost that is completely avoided by checking in within the times set by the airline, usually starting a few days before the flight.

Seat and food on board: where you save without effort

Letting the system automatically assign your seat, instead of paying to choose it, rarely causes real disadvantages for those traveling alone or without special needs. Carrying an empty water bottle to refill after security and some snacks also avoids the prices of on-board catering, generally higher than those of an airport bar.

Those who keep an eye on the airline's app in the hours before the flight sometimes find last-minute upgrades at reduced price for seat or extra baggage, but availability changes from flight to flight and should not be considered guaranteed.

Before paying a surcharge, always check on the airline's website the baggage dimensions allowed by your fare: it is the item that generates the most unexpected costs for low-cost travelers.