Choosing a Suitcase for a Low-Cost Carrier

Traveling with low-cost carriers is a great way to explore the world on a budget, but it requires special attention to detail, especially when it comes to luggage. The main rule: don't overpay for your suitcase! Hand luggage restrictions for budget airlines can differ significantly from those of traditional carriers, and every extra centimeter or gram can result in serious surcharges.

In this article, we'll figure out how to choose the ideal carry-on suitcase so that your flight with a low-cost carrier goes smoothly, without unnecessary stress or expenses.

Why Dimensions Are So Important

Budget airlines earn revenue not so much from ticket sales, but from additional services, including luggage. Each carrier has its own strict rules:

• Size – the most critical parameter. Most low-cost carriers have special sizers (metal frames) at the check-in counter and at the boarding gate. If your suitcase doesn't fit into the frame, you'll have to pay extra.
• Weight is also controlled. Exceeding the limit leads to surcharges that can exceed the cost of the ticket itself.
• Low-cost carriers always offer the option to carry a certain amount of hand luggage for free. However, the dimensions and number of items vary greatly.

Important: always check the current rules of the specific low-cost carrier before purchasing tickets and choosing a suitcase. They can change!

Hand Luggage Standards

There is no single standard for all low-cost carriers, but there are general trends and the most common requirements.

What each passenger can take into the cabin without additional charge:

• Ryanair: 40x30x20 cm, no weight limit (but you must be able to lift it yourself). Must fit under the seat in front.
• Wizz Air: 40x30x20 cm, up to 10 kg. Must fit under the seat in front.
• EasyJet: 45x36x20 cm, up to 15 kg. Must fit under the seat in front.
• Pobeda: two options: either one item 36x30x27 cm (free weight not specified), or one carry-on item with dimensions 15x36x30 cm and a backpack with dimensions no more than 12x36x30 cm. Hand luggage must fit freely into the sizer.

Additional Hand Luggage (for overhead locker)

This is the option to take a larger suitcase into the cabin, which always requires an additional fee (usually by purchasing a "priority boarding" or "large hand luggage" service).

• Ryanair (with