Budget Airline Tips — How to Fly Cheap Without the Stress

Flying Budget Without the Budget Experience

Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offer incredible fares — but hidden fees and strict rules can catch unprepared travellers. Here is how to fly smart.

Baggage Rules: The #1 Trap

Baggage fees are where budget airlines make their money. Know the rules:

Ryanair

• Free: 1 small personal item (40x20x25 cm)
• Priority add-on: Includes a cabin bag (55x40x20 cm) — from £6
• Checked bag: From £13-30 depending on weight

easyJet

• Free: 1 cabin bag (56x45x25 cm) — but overhead bin space is not guaranteed without an add-on
• Checked bag: From £8-30

Wizz Air

• Free: 1 small personal item (40x30x20 cm)
• WIZZ Priority: Includes cabin bag (55x40x23 cm) — from £5
• Checked bag: From £10-32

Check exact limits with our Carry-On Packing Rules tool.

Check-In: Do NOT Forget

Budget airlines charge hefty fees (£30-55) for airport check-in. Always:

• Check in online within the free window
• Use our Airline Check-In Links to go directly to the right page
• Download your boarding pass to your phone or print at home

Seat Selection

• Skip it: If travelling alone, save the £5-15 fee
• Pay for it: If travelling with family or wanting extra legroom
• Hack: Check in exactly when the window opens for the best free seat options

At the Airport

Save Time with FastTrack

Budget airlines do not offer priority check-in queues. But you can book FastTrack security independently — it works regardless of your airline. This is especially valuable at airports popular with budget carriers like London Stansted and Dublin.

Bring Your Own Food & Water

• Food on budget flights is expensive (£4-8 for a sandwich)
• Bring food through security and an empty water bottle to fill airside

Hidden Fee Checklist

| Name change | £115 | £25 | £55 |