Carry-On Fees on Low-Cost Airlines: Is Paying for a Trolley Worth It?
In recent years, more and more low-cost airlines have started charging carry-on fees for bringing a trolley bag on board – what was once considered free has suddenly become an additional paid service. So, is it really worth paying for a trolley, or is it better to settle for a small backpack and leave the trolley at home? Here’s everything you need to know, including a comparison among the leading airlines.
What Exactly Is a “Trolley”?
A trolley is a hard or soft carry-on bag of standard size (usually up to 10 kg) that fits in the overhead compartment on the plane. Unlike a small backpack or shoulder bag, many airlines consider a trolley as “expanded hand luggage” and charge separately for it.
Why Do They Charge for It at All?
Low-cost airlines operate on a business model that separates the basic flight price from all extras. Every service – from luggage to reserved seating or a trolley – costs money. For the airlines, this is a way to lower the base price and profit from the add-ons.
Carry-On Fees Compared Across Low-Cost Airlines
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Wizz Air
Free personal bag: Yes (40×30×20 cm)
Paid trolley: Yes (55×40×23 cm, up to 10 kg)
Trolley price (pre-booking): €10–€60 (depends on season and destination) -
Ryanair
Free personal bag: Yes (40×20×25 cm)
Paid trolley: Yes (55×40×20 cm, up to 10 kg)
Trolley price (pre-booking): £6–£30 (depends on season and destination) -
easyJet
Free personal bag: Yes (45×36×20 cm)
Paid trolley: Yes (56×45×25 cm, up to 15 kg)
Trolley price (pre-booking): starting from £5.99 (depends on destination and booking time)
Important note: A trolley can be added with the booking of a specific seat or Flexi service -
Arkia
Free personal bag: Yes (up to 7 kg)
Paid trolley: Yes (up to 8 kg)
Trolley price (pre-booking): $15 in advance / $20 at the airport
Important note: The price varies depending on weight and booking time -
Israir
Free personal bag: Yes (40×30×20 cm)
Paid trolley: Yes (up to 8–10 kg)
Trolley price (pre-booking): $20 each way
Important note: The price varies depending on weight and booking time
| Airline | Free Personal Bag | Paid Trolley | Trolley Price (Pre-Booking) | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wizz Air | Yes (40×30×20 cm) | Yes (55×40×23 cm, up to 10 kg) | €10–€60 (depends on season and destination) | WIZZ Priority service purchase required |
| Ryanair | Yes (40×20×25 cm) | Yes (55×40×20 cm, up to 10 kg) | £6–£30 (depends on season and destination) | Priority Boarding purchase required |
| easyJet | Yes (45×36×20 cm) | Yes (56×45×25 cm, up to 15 kg) | £5.99 and up (depends on destination and booking time) | A trolley can be added with the booking of a specific seat or Flexi service |
| Arkia | Yes (up to 7 kg) | Yes (up to 8 kg) | $15 in advance / $20 at the airport | The price varies depending on weight and booking time |
| Israir | Yes (40×30×20 cm) | Yes (up to 8–10 kg) | $20 each way | The price varies depending on weight and booking time |
Is It Worth It?
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For short flights (two to three days): A small backpack is usually sufficient.
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For longer flights or with children: You might need an additional trolley, especially if there is no checked baggage.
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Price comparison: Sometimes, purchasing a ticket that includes luggage can be more cost-effective than adding a trolley separately.
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Pre-booking: Adding a trolley at the time of booking is often cheaper than adding it at the airport.
Generally, a trolley can be added after purchase – at a lower price through the airline’s app than at the airport. Therefore, if you are undecided – do not wait until the last minute.
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The information is sourced from company websites and additional sources; it is advisable to verify the precise information with the relevant entity.
