Hand luggage fee with budget airlines: permitted?

With cheap fares, many airlines charge fees for luggage. A small personal item, however, must usually be allowed on board free of charge. Disputes often arise over the line between free hand luggage and luggage subject to a fee.

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A small piece of hand luggage with personal items that fits under the seat in front generally belongs to the scope of carriage and may not be priced separately. For larger trolleys that go in the overhead bin, fees are permitted.

The exact dimensions and rules differ from airline to airline. Check them before booking to avoid expensive fees at the gate, which can be considerably higher than at booking.

What you should do now

1
1. Check the rules
Look at the airline's hand luggage dimensions and fees before booking.
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2. Choose the fare
Weigh whether a fare including luggage is cheaper than adding it on.
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3. Keep to the dimensions
Stay within the permitted dimensions to avoid gate fees.
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4. Contest anything improper
If free hand luggage is wrongly charged, contest it in writing.

How to spot the scam

Even the smallest personal item is supposed to cost extra.
Considerably higher fees are demanded at the gate than at booking.
The dimensions are only checked at the airport.

Frequently asked questions

Must free hand luggage be allowed?

A small personal item that fits under the seat in front generally belongs to the carriage and may not be priced separately. For larger hand luggage items that go in the overhead bin, airlines may, on the other hand, charge fees.

Are different dimensions per airline allowed?

Yes, the specific dimensions and weight limits are set by the airlines themselves. That is why you should check them before every booking. What still goes free with one airline can be subject to a fee with another.

What to do about excessive gate fees?

If you keep to the rules and are still charged, or free hand luggage is wrongly priced, pay under reservation and contest it afterward in writing. Keep your boarding pass, receipts, and photos of the luggage as evidence.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.