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Whenever I have a speaking engagement or write about how to save money on airfare, one of my top tips is to avoid low-fare carriers like Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit in the United States and EasyJet or Ryanair in Europe unless you know their game. These airlines often hook customers with ridiculously cheap fares but then get them on all the extras … from printing a boarding pass, seat assignment, a glass of water and, of course, baggage – both checked and carry-on.
In fact, Frontier Airlines was busted last year when it was discovered that their agents made a commission every time they claimed a passenger’s bag was too big to fit under the seat and to use the overhead bin, they charge a whopping $99. It was only uncovered when a traveler posted a video of their exchange on TikTok and showed that her bag actually did fit in the bag sizer.
On a side note, can we all agree that these bag sizers are a total joke in the first place? Especially for the airlines that claim that bags are measured so they can fit in the overhead compartments.
If you are going to fly on a low-fare carrier, you have to make sure you know their baggage policies, including the size of your carry-on. Here are some of the measurements:
Frontier Airlines: Personal items can be no larger than 14” tall, 18” wide, and 8” long.
Spirit Airlines: Personal items must be 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm) or smaller.
Ryanair: Fares include one small personal bag which can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag measuring 40x20x25cm (15.7 x 7.8 x 9.8 in).
EasyJet: One small cabin bag per passenger, with maximum dimensions of 45 x 36 x 20 cm (17 x 14 x 8 in)
And if you are flying one of these airlines, this is the bag you need to meet the bag size requirements on low-fare carriers.
One of my other pieces of advice is to be genuinely kind to everyone but especially gate agents and flight attendants. They can really make or break your trip. They also have a difficult job and many travelers are nasty to them.
I’m super nice to most gate agents and I usually get the same attitude back. However, there have been a few, no matter how nice I am, who are just miserable, are going through a difficult time, or just love to be on a power trip.
In this latest viral video (embedded below), you will see firsthand the friendly agents who aren’t trying to make a commission or a traveler’s life miserable. They’re just following the rules, while secretly rooting for the customer. The 40-second video was posted by @erlingflokleppe with the caption: “When they try to charge you €50.”
@erlingflokleppe When they try to charge you 50€ #ryanair #travel #flight ♬ original sound – Erling Flo Kleppe
The video shows Erling’s friend at the Ryanair ticket counter in Ireland. He was able to save 50 euros ($53 USD) by layering on multiple shirts so that his carry-on bag fit in the budget airline’s bag sizer. After he’d put enough shirts on, his bag fit in the sizer and everyone started clapping, including the Ryanair agents. The video ends by showing them on the plane and he’s still wearing all the shirts. If that was me, I would have taken them all off the minute I got on-board.
KEEP READING:
–EasyJet passenger’s carry-on suitcase gets stuck in bag sizer
–Passenger rips wheels off suitcase to avoid paying low-fare carrier’s outrageous fee–
Rick Steves got pickpocketed in Paris: Here’s what he wants you to know
–The most important thing for travelers to do according to a safety expert
–What you need to know about renewing or getting an emergency passport in the U.S.
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