Baggage fees are one of the most effective ways airlines extract money from travellers who haven't thought carefully about what they're packing. On budget carriers, a checked bag can add £30–60 to your fare — each way. On a return trip, you've potentially doubled what you thought the flight cost.
Carry-on only travel eliminates this entirely.
Why Baggage Fees Exist
Budget airlines built their business model on low headline fares and modular extras. Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet price the seat cheaply and then charge for everything else: bags, seat selection, priority boarding, on-board food. The passenger who packs light and books strategically pays the advertised price. The passenger who needs extras pays significantly more.
Understanding this means you can game the system in your favour.
What You Can Actually Take for Free
Rules vary by airline, but here are the typical allowances (as of 2024 — always check the airline's current policy):
Ryanair: One small personal item (40x20x25cm) under your seat — free. A larger carry-on (55x40x20cm) in the overhead locker requires priority boarding or an additional bag fee.
Wizz Air: One small bag (40x30x20cm) free. Cabin bag (55x40x23cm) included only with certain fare types; otherwise extra.
easyJet: One cabin bag (56x45x25cm) free. Additional small bag included with Up Front or Extra Legroom seats.
Tip: Book priority boarding on Ryanair if you're bringing a cabin bag — it's cheaper than the standalone cabin bag fee and gets you on the plane first.
Packing Carry-On Only: The Core Principles
Choose the Right Bag
A 30–40 litre bag fits most carry-on allowances and is large enough for 1–2 weeks of travel if packed efficiently. Look for:
- A bag that meets your airline's maximum dimensions exactly (measure if uncertain)
- Compression straps to reduce bulk
- Easy access to laptop/liquids for security
Brands like Osprey, Peak Design, and Tortuga make bags specifically optimised for carry-on travel.
The Capsule Wardrobe Approach
Build a small set of versatile, mix-and-match items rather than packing outfit by outfit. Key principles:
- Stick to two or three neutral colours so everything pairs with everything
- Pack items that serve double duty (a shirt that works for day and evening)
- Choose merino wool where possible — it packs small, dries fast, and resists odour
Toiletries
Liquids in your carry-on are limited to 100ml containers in a single clear bag (EU/UK rules). Pre-portioning toiletries into small bottles, or using solid alternatives (shampoo bars, solid sunscreen, toothpaste tablets), eliminates liquid restrictions entirely.
For longer trips, budget for buying toiletries at your destination — shampoo and shower gel are universally available, cheap, and not worth the space.
The Roll or Bundle Pack
Rolling clothes compresses them less than folding for most items. The "bundle method" — wrapping items around a central core — minimises wrinkles. For a carry-on, use rolling for everyday items and bundle for anything prone to creasing.
Doing Laundry on the Road
The fear of running out of clean clothes is what leads most people to overpack. In reality:
- Most accommodation has laundry facilities or offers a laundry service
- Merino wool items can be hand-washed and dry overnight
- Many cities have self-service laundrettes
For trips longer than 10 days, building in one laundry stop removes the constraint entirely.
What Doesn't Fit Carry-On Only
Honestly — not much. The main exceptions:
- Formal wear: A suit or ball gown can be checked or shipped ahead
- Sports equipment: Ski boots, golf clubs, scuba gear — checked is the only option
- Extended international travel (4+ weeks): Feasible but requires real discipline
For most holidays and city breaks, carry-on only is entirely achievable with a bit of planning.
The Non-Obvious Benefit
Beyond saving money, carry-on only eliminates:
- Waiting at baggage reclaim (often 20–40 minutes)
- Risk of lost or damaged luggage
- Inability to switch flights at the last minute
- The mental burden of managing a large bag through cities
Once you've done a trip carry-on only, most travellers don't go back.
The less you pack, the cheaper you fly — especially on budget carriers. AirHuntr tracks the best deals across all European budget airlines.
