Packing Light: A Guide to Budget Airlines’ Baggage Allowances

As the travel industry continues to evolve, budget airlines have become a popular option for those looking to explore new destinations without breaking the bank. However, one of the major drawbacks of flying with budget airlines is their strict baggage allowances. To avoid any unexpected fees or hassles, it’s essential to pack light and understand the baggage policies of your chosen airline.

Why Packing Light is Crucial

Budget airlines operate on a no-frills model, which means they keep costs low by minimizing amenities and services. One of the ways they achieve this is by limiting the amount of luggage you can bring on board. Exceeding the allowed baggage weight or size can result in significant additional fees, which can quickly add up and negate any savings you made by choosing a budget airline.

Baggage Allowances: What You Need to Know

Each budget airline has its own set of baggage rules and regulations. Here are some of the most popular budget airlines and their corresponding baggage allowances:

Ryanair: 1 small bag (35x20x20cm) allowed in the cabin, with a maximum weight of 10kg. Checked baggage costs extra, with prices starting from €25.

EasyJet: 1 small bag (45x36x20cm) allowed in the cabin, with no weight restriction. Checked baggage costs extra, with prices starting from £13.99.

Spirit Airlines: 1 small bag (40x30x20cm) allowed in the cabin, with a maximum weight of 18.1kg. Checked baggage costs extra, with prices starting from $30.

AirAsia: 1 small bag (36x23x56cm) allowed in the cabin, with a maximum weight of 7kg. Checked baggage costs extra, with prices starting from MYR 30.

Tips for Packing Light

Packing light requires some strategy and planning. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your allowed baggage:

Choose multi-purpose items: Pack clothes and accessories that can be worn multiple times and serve more than one purpose.

Roll your clothes: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help reduce wrinkles and save space in your luggage.

Use packing cubes: Packing cubes can help you organize your luggage and compress your clothes to make the most of your allowed baggage space.

Wear your heaviest items: Consider wearing your heaviest or bulkiest items, such as your coat or boots, on the plane to save space in your luggage.

Avoid checking bags: If possible, try to avoid checking bags altogether. This will not only save you money but also reduce the risk of lost or damaged luggage.

Additional Fees to Watch Out For

While packing light can help you avoid additional fees, there are other costs to watch out for when flying with budget airlines. These include:

Printing your boarding pass: Some budget airlines charge extra for printing your boarding pass at the airport.

Selecting your seat: Choosing your seat can incur an additional fee, which can range from €5 to €20.

Food and drinks: Budget airlines often charge extra for food and drinks on board, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and water.

Conclusion

Packing light is essential when flying with budget airlines. By understanding the baggage allowances and fees associated with your chosen airline, you can avoid any unexpected costs and make the most of your travel budget. Remember to choose multi-purpose items, roll your clothes, and use packing cubes to make the most of your allowed baggage space. With a little planning and strategy, you can enjoy a hassle-free and affordable flying experience with budget airlines.