How to Avoid Holiday Baggage Fees on Budget Airlines
Measure your free personal item, pre-book larger bags, and weigh gifts to skip surprise fees on holiday budget flights.
You avoid holiday baggage fees on budget airlines by fitting your trip into the free personal item that fits under the seat. If you need more room, measure and pay for the larger bag on the airline site before you reach the airport. A personal item means a small backpack, tote or purse that stays under the seat in front of you.
Budget carriers allow that one small bag free and charge for larger carry-ons and checked bags, so holiday gifts and winter layers need a plan.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
What fits free under the seat?
According to Frontier Airlines, one personal item flies free per fare at a maximum of 14"H x 18"W x 8"D, as described in Frontier's bag size guide. Full carry-ons at 24"H x 16"W x 10"D and 35 lb are paid and size-checked at boarding. A soft bag that compresses into the sizer avoids trouble at the gate.
According to Ryanair, the free allowance is only one small personal bag at 40 x 30 x 20 cm that must fit under the seat, explained in Ryanair's bag policy section. A second 10 kg cabin bag at 55 x 40 x 20 cm for the overhead locker requires Priority boarding. According to easyJet, one small under-seat cabin bag up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm and 15 kg flies free, noted in easyJet's cabin bag rules.
When does a carry-on turn into a fee?
A roller bag, hard-sided weekender or second tote usually counts as a cabin bag, not a personal item. That bag needs overhead space and must be added to the booking before travel on these low fares. At the airport it is measured against a sizer and charged at a higher airport rate.
To stay free, pack one bag that slides easily under the seat. Keep shoes, gifts and toiletries inside that single shape rather than adding a side bag. If you cannot fit everything, add the larger cabin option online rather than hoping gate staff will allow it.
How do checked bags change holiday math?
According to Southwest Airlines, most mainland Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred passengers pay $45 for a first and $55 for a second checked bag each way when ticketed on or after Apr. 9, 2026, stated in Southwest's checked-bag update. One shared checked bag for two travelers often costs less than two separate cabin upgrades.
Weigh the packed bag at home, including wrapping and boxes. Hold limits are strict on size and weight, and winter coats and boots add pounds fast. Move heavy items to your worn clothing or your personal item.
Ship bulky gifts ahead when the bag fee is higher than postage.
How can you pack gifts without extra charges?
Use this quick check before you zip the bag: Check the fee for your exact flight on the airline site before you buy gifts. Third-party search screens may show old amounts during the holidays. A short stop at the airline baggage page lets you compare the cost of adding a bag online with mailing presents separately.
- Measure height, width and depth with gifts inside, not empty.
- Weigh the bag with a bathroom scale and remove one heavy item if close to the limit.
- Put liquids, lotions and food spreads in small travel containers in one clear zip bag.
- Wear your bulkiest coat and boots and pack flat layers around gifts for padding.
- Take a photo of your packed bag inside a box or sizer outline at home.