What to pack in your carry-on to avoid costly airport fees

Airlines have rules regarding the contents of carry-on luggage. Check out what you can pack to avoid additional costs.

More and more people are choosing airplanes as their means of transportation for vacations. Flying allows quick travel over long distances, and ticket prices, especially with low-cost airlines, can be very tempting. Unfortunately, the most cost-effective option is to travel only with carry-on luggage, typically the only type included in the ticket price. However, before you pack your suitcase, check what you can take.

In most low-cost airlines, carry-on luggage is included in the ticket price but must fit within specified dimensions. You must pay for excess baggage if you exceed the size or weight limits. For example, free carry-on luggage with Ryanair must not exceed 16 × 8 × 10 inches. In contrast, Wizz Air's acceptable dimensions are 16 × 12 × 8 inches. This luggage must fit under the seat during the flight.

Many also wonder if they can have another bag besides their carry-on luggage on Ryanair. Unfortunately, they usually cannot. It all depends on the staff checking the baggage before boarding, but a woman's handbag is treated as additional baggage in most cases. It is different with small pouches like "fanny packs" – they can be carried on both Ryanair and Wizz Air without extra charges.

We cannot bring sharp objects, weapons, flammable materials, or chemicals on the plane. We might also face issues with keychains that resemble grenades, bullets, or bombs.

So, what can we take? TikTok @katarzynagawenda published a video explaining what can be packed in carry-on luggage. According to her, we can even pack scissors if the blades are less than 2.36 inches and rounded.

In addition to obvious items such as clothing and cosmetics up to 3.4 ounces, we can also take a razor, as long as its blades are covered by a plastic cover. We can also take an empty water bottle through security, which we can fill up, saving some money.