Low-cost flights: how to avoid unexpected expenses

Hand luggage dimensions vary from airline to airline

Ryanair allows free of charge only one small bag of 40x20x25 cm, to be placed under the seat; a larger trolley requires purchasing the Priority service. Wizz Air allows free of charge luggage of 40x30x20 cm and 10 kg, a reduced size as of November 1st, 2025 compared to the previous 45x35x20 cm. EasyJet remains the most generous, with 45x36x20 cm and 15 kg included in the base fare. Those who fly frequently with different airlines risk confusing dimensions and paying a penalty at the gate for just a few centimetres over.

Online check-in and digital boarding pass

From November 12th, 2025 Ryanair accepts only digital boarding passes, downloaded from app or website, and has eliminated the printing desks at the airport: those who arrive without having checked in online risk a longer procedure and, depending on the airline, an additional fee paid directly at the airport. It is worth saving the boarding pass on your phone before arriving at the airport, not at the last moment.

Booking modifications cost more than a new ticket

Changing the date or time after purchase on the cheapest low-cost fares often involves a penalty that exceeds the price difference compared to a separate booking: before modifying a ticket, it is always worth comparing the total cost with that of a new purchase.

Before booking with a low-cost airline, check the official website for the exact dimensions of free hand luggage: just a few centimetres difference between one airline and another is enough to turn an economical ticket into an expensive one at the gate.