Comprehensive Guide to Budget Airline Baggage Fees

Some assume baggage fees don’t apply to budget airlines. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, budget airlines have some of the most demanding fee structures in the industry.

The idea is to charge people the lowest possible fares for basic transportation. Moreover, customers pay for the services they use beyond simply moving between two points on the globe.

Some airlines charge simply for checking baggage, while a few even impose charges on carry-on items.

What follows are brief policy summaries for leading low-cost carriers. For detailed policy information, visit each airline’s website. It is advisable to check for updates as airline policies and prices change rapidly.

Before considering any baggage fees, budget travelers should learn to pack lightly. It’s an effective money-saving technique!

1. Air Berlin

Air Berlin has a complex baggage fee structure that varies by travel zones and class. Passengers may take only one carry-on item, not exceeding 6 kg (13 lbs.), unless it is a laptop.

Economy class allows checked baggage of 20 kg (44 lbs.) per bag on short and medium-haul flights, while business class allows up to 30 kg (66 lbs.) each. Long-haul economy passengers can check one free bag (up to 23 kg or 51 lbs.), while business class can check up to two bags at 32 kg (71 lbs.) each.

If you choose the “Just Fly” class, a checked bag costs €15 when arranged online, but €70 at the airport. Other classes include a free checked bag.

Size restrictions for bags are a combined maximum dimension of 158 cm (62 in.). Bags exceeding this limit incur fees of €100 to €450.

2. Allegiant

Allegiant passengers can carry on one larger bag and one smaller personal item. Checked bag fees are route-dependent, generally offering discounts for online payment during booking.

Note that fees for checked bags relate to individual flying segments. Consequently, you need to double the baggage fee for round-trip tickets.

Any bag that doesn’t fit in overhead compartments incurs a $35/segment fee. Items in overhead compartments weighing 25 lbs. or less cost between $10 and $75, depending on the route.

3. easyJet

easyJet permits one piece of carry-on baggage not exceeding 55x40x20 cm, and any checked baggage will incur a fee. The baggage weight allowance is 20 kg (44 lbs.), with discounts for online payment during booking.

If checked baggage exceeds 20 kg, each excess kg incurs a £10 or €12 fee. A fee structure for larger items like skis or golf clubs also exists.

Making arrangements and payments for baggage online will result in lower fees than settling them at the airport.

4. Gol

Gol allows adult passengers to check two pieces of luggage at no charge, weighing a total of 23 kg (51 lbs.). Any excess weight incurs a charge of five percent of the normal fare.

For carry-on, the larger item must be under 5 kg (11 lbs.), while a second personal item is permitted, such as a purse or camera bag.

5. jetBlue

According to their contract of carriage, jetBlue allows one carry-on bag in an overhead compartment. The first checked bag incurs a fee of $20 online, or $25 at the ticket counter. Each additional bag incurs separate fees based on weight and size limits.

Overweight fees range from $50 for bags between 51-70 lbs. to $100 for those weighing 71-99 lbs.

6. Ryanair

Ryanair offers a range of baggage fees paid in either British pounds or euros. Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs). Checked baggage fees vary based on when payments are made.

In low season, the fee for one checked bag when booked online is £15 or €15, but it goes up to £20 or €20 if handled later. Increased fees apply during busy periods.

7. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags, a key part of its marketing strategy. However, starting with the third checked bag, a charge of $75 is applied.

Maximum weight for bags is 50 lbs., with additional fees for overweight and oversized items. For carry-on, dimensions must not exceed 10″x16″x24″.

8. Spirit Air

Spirit Airlines allows one personal item for free, provided it fits under the seat. A fee applies for overhead bags, and checked baggage costs range from $40 to $60 based on booking method.

Oversize and overweight fees are applicable with strict weight limits.

9. Virgin Australia

Travelers with the lowest-cost Saver fares receive no baggage allowance and must pay $12 AUD per flight for luggage up to 23 kg. At the airport, the charge increases to $40 AUD.

Each baggage piece should not exceed 32 kg (70 lbs.) or total linear dimensions of 140 cm (55 in.).

10. Westjet

Westjet offers one carry-on item free, with restrictions on weight (up to 10 kg or 22 lbs.). Checked baggage incurs a fee of $30 for one bag, and $42 CAD for a second. Additional pieces may cost $118 CAD each.

Excess baggage must be processed at least one hour prior to the scheduled flight departure.