How to Pack for Low-Cost Flights (2025 Guide) — Avoid Baggage Fees Every Time

Learn how to pack for low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and Vueling—without paying a single extra fee.
This 2025 guide breaks down packing lists, bag sizes, compression hacks and everything you need to travel cheap across Europe.

Low-cost airlines keep fares low but charge for almost everything else: cabin bags, checked bags, priority boarding, and even printed boarding passes.
The secret is simple: pack smart, pack light, and avoid every extra fee.

This applies to:

• Ryanair
• easyJet
• Wizz Air
• Vueling
• Eurowings
• Jet2

1. Know Your Free Bag Size (The Golden Rule)

If your bag fits under the seat, you pay €0 in luggage fees. Every major budget airline offers one free personal item.

Free Under-Seat Bag Allowances (Table)

Pro Tip:
Buy a backpack designed for 40 × 20 × 25 cm—Ryanair’s smallest limit. If it fits Ryanair, it fits everywhere.

2. Use Compression to Fit More in Less Space

Compression = the modern packing cheat code.

Recommended tools:

• Compression packing cubes
• Rolled clothes
• Lightweight fabrics (polyester, dry-fit, merino wool)

This increases your packing capacity by up to 40%.

3. Wear Your Bulkiest Items

Avoid packing:

• Hoodies
• Jackets
• Jeans
• Trainers

Wear them at the airport instead—saving €25–€50 per flight.

4. Maximise Your Pockets (100% Airline-Legal)

Use jackets with:

• Chest pockets
• Zipped compartments
• Kangaroo-style hoodie pockets

Store chargers, snacks, sunglasses, power banks, or toiletries inside.

5. Switch to Solid Toiletries

Do this to reduce space and avoid liquid restrictions.

Solid alternatives:

• Solid shampoo
• Solid deodorant
• Bar soap
• Toothpaste tablets
• Solid conditioner

Fits into a tiny 10×10 cm pouch.

6. Choose Shoes Wisely

Shoes are the #1 space-killer.

Rule: Wear one pair, pack zero.
If needed: pack only flip-flops.

Avoid boots, heels, bulky footwear.

7. Use a Foldable Daypack

Pack a foldable backpack or tote.
Use it for daily sightseeing—keep your under-seat bag strictly for clothes.

8. Keep Electronics Minimal

Electronics increase weight quickly.

Electronics Packing Table

9. Pack Mix-and-Match Outfits

The key is versatility—not quantity.

Weekend Packing List (2–3 Days) — Table

10. Don’t Pack What Hotels Already Provide

Leave space-wasters at home.

Hotels/Airbnbs provide:

• Towels
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Hairdryer
• Bedding
• Iron

Bring only personal essentials.

11. Weigh Your Bag Before You Leave Home

Some low-cost airlines weigh under-seat bags.

Use:

• Mini digital luggage scale
• Keep under 6–8 kg

Shift heavy items to pockets if necessary.

12. Go 100% Digital

Save space & avoid paper clutter.

Use:

• Airline apps
• Google Maps offline
• Notes app
• Cloud storage

Avoid:

• Printed itineraries
• Paper boarding passes
• Guidebooks

Final Tips: How to Never Pay a Baggage Fee Again

• Use a bag that fits Ryanair 40×20×25 cm
• Wear your bulkiest items
• Use compression cubes
• Switch to solid toiletries
• Travel with just one pair of shoes
• Use your pockets effectively

Follow these steps consistently and you’ll never pay for a cabin bag or checked bag again—no matter which low-cost airline you fly.