Baggage fees are one of the biggest hidden costs in air travel. A "cheap" £60 flight can quickly become £120 once you add a carry-on bag, or £160 with a checked suitcase. Here's everything you need to know about what's included — and what will cost extra — across 20 major airlines in 2026.
⚠️ Important: Fees below are indicative and change frequently. Always check the airline's official website at booking time for the exact fee on your specific route.
Budget Airlines: What You Actually Get
Budget carriers generally offer the cheapest headline fares but the most restrictive (and fee-heavy) baggage policies. Understanding these is critical to calculating your real cost.
| Airline | Free Carry-On? | Cabin Bag Size | 1st Checked Bag (approx) | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | Small bag only | 40×20×25cm (free) 55×40×20cm (add-on) |
£25–45 | Budget |
| easyJet | Small bag only | 45×36×20cm (free) 56×45×25cm (add-on) |
£26–50 | Budget |
| Wizz Air | Small bag only | 40×30×20cm (free) 55×40×23cm (add-on) |
£22–40 | Budget |
| Spirit Airlines | No (fee required) | 22×18×10in (paid) | $29–99 (varies) | Ultra-low cost |
| Frontier Airlines | No (fee required) | 24×16×10in (paid) | $35–69 | Ultra-low cost |
Full-Service Airlines: Better Baggage Included
Traditional carriers include a proper carry-on and — in many cases — a checked bag as standard. They're pricier on the headline fare but often better value once you factor in bags.
| Airline | Carry-On (cabin bag) | Checked Bags Included? | Additional Bag Fee | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 1 × 23kg (most fares) | Yes (23kg) | £65–80 for 2nd bag | Good value |
| Lufthansa | 1 × 23kg | Yes (23kg) | €70–90 for 2nd bag | Good value |
| Emirates | 1 × 7kg | Yes (30kg Eco) | ~£60 for extra bag | Excellent value |
| Qatar Airways | 1 × 7kg | Yes (23–30kg) | ~$60 for extra bag | Excellent value |
| Singapore Airlines | 1 × 7kg | Yes (20–30kg) | ~$80 for extra bag | Excellent value |
| Delta | 1 × 10kg | Basic Eco: No | $35 for 1st bag | Varies by fare |
| American Airlines | 1 × 10kg | Basic Eco: No | $35 for 1st bag | Varies by fare |
| United Airlines | 1 × 10kg | Basic Eco: No | $35–40 for 1st bag | Varies by fare |
| Air France | 1 × 12kg | Yes (23kg) | €70 for 2nd bag | Good value |
| KLM | 1 × 12kg | Yes (23kg) | €65 for 2nd bag | Good value |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 × 8kg | Yes (20–30kg) | ~$50 for extra bag | Excellent value |
| Thai Airways | 1 × 7kg | Yes (20–30kg) | ~$50 for extra bag | Good value |
| Iberia | 1 × 10kg | Depends on fare | €70 for 1st bag | Mid-range |
| Norwegian | 1 × 10kg | Not included | ~£35–55 for 1st bag | Budget long-haul |
| JetBlue | 1 × overhead included | Blue Basic: No | $35 for 1st bag | Varies by fare |
5 Money-Saving Tips for Baggage
Pack carry-on only
Avoid checked bag fees entirely. A well-packed 55cm bag is enough for 1–2 weeks in warm weather.
Book bags at checkout
Adding bags at checkout is always cheaper than at the airport. Airport bag fees can be 2–3× the pre-booked price.
Compare total cost
Always add the bag cost to the base fare when comparing. A "cheaper" budget flight may cost more once you add bags.
Consider full-service
For long-haul, full-service airlines often include 20–30kg checked bags — which can make them cheaper than budget carriers plus bags.
Travel credit cards
Some airline credit cards include free checked bags. If you fly with one carrier regularly, it's worth checking their co-branded card.
Check fare classes
On full-service airlines, upgrading from "basic economy" to regular economy often includes bags and can be a better total deal.
Carry-On vs Checked: Which Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your trip:
- Short trip (1–5 nights), warm destination: Carry-on only. Pack light, save the fee.
- Long trip (7+ nights) or cold destination: Checked bag is usually worth it. Bulky items like coats and boots are hard to squeeze into a cabin bag.
- Skiing / sports equipment: Always check — specialist equipment has separate fees that can be significant (typically £30–80 each way).
- With young children: Most airlines allow a free pram/pushchair in the hold — worth confirming at booking.
🧠 Rule of thumb: If your bag fee (both ways) exceeds £40–50, it's worth considering whether a slightly pricier full-service ticket with bags included would be better value overall.
Search Flights — Total Cost, No Surprises
FlightBrain shows you fare breakdowns including typical baggage costs so you can compare the real price.
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