Baggage fees by airline: how to avoid nasty surprises

The fare you see is rarely the price you pay. With budget airlines especially, baggage is the difference between a bargain and a rip-off. Here's how to stay in control.

The pattern: the cheaper the fare, the stricter the baggage

On a basic fare you almost always get only a small bag under the seat. Anything more — a cabin trolley or a checked bag — costs extra. Rules of thumb by airline type:

• Ultra low-cost (Ryanair, Wizz Air): only a small personal item is free. A trolley and checked bags are paid extras, and they get pricier the later you add them.
• Hybrid (easyJet, Vueling, Transavia): a cabin trolley is often allowed; checked bags cost extra. Watch the fare tiers.
• Full-service (British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa): hand luggage and usually a checked bag are included on most fares — but the cheapest "basic/light" fares strip the checked bag out.

The three most expensive mistakes

1. Adding bags at the gate. That's where you pay the most — sometimes double. Always add baggage online in advance. 2. Oversized hand luggage. If your trolley doesn't fit the sizer, it goes (paid) into the hold anyway. 3. Comparing on the headline fare. A pricier ticket with baggage is often cheaper than a basic fare plus two separate bags.

Work out the real price

Always add it up: fare + hand luggage (if needed) + checked bag + any seat selection. Only then are you comparing like with like. In Flights you get a fair estimate of the extra costs on every flight, so the cheapest option really is the cheapest. See also what a flight really costs.

FAQ

Is hand luggage always free?

No. A small personal item under the seat is, but a cabin trolley costs extra on many budget airlines.

What's cheaper: a checked bag or two lots of hand luggage?

Almost always one checked bag booked in advance. Gate extras are the most expensive.

Can I add baggage later?

Yes, but the closer to departure, the more it costs. Online and in advance is cheapest.