Avoid Baggage Fees on Budget Airlines — a phrase that resonates with nearly every budget traveler these days. While travel influencers may sometimes seem over-the-top, every now and then, they drop some serious wisdom. That’s exactly what one smart content creator has done recently — and her tip could save you from unexpected charges on your next flight.
After the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, air travel feels more stressful than ever. Ticket prices have climbed, and airlines — especially low-cost ones like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air — have doubled down on rules. Enter Chelsea, widely known on TikTok as the Cheap Holiday Expert. She shared a super helpful tip that frequent flyers swear by: Avoid using small-wheeled suitcases as your carry-on on budget airlines.

Avoid Baggage Fees on Budget Airlines: The Suitcase Trap
As reported by The Irish Star, most budget airlines do allow a personal item or small carry-on for free. But here’s the catch — those tiny, wheeled cabin suitcases often don’t meet their sizing requirements. Chelsea explains, “The staff see wheels and instantly assume it’s oversized — and usually, they’re not wrong.”
She even tested different bags in real baggage sizers and found that most small wheeled cases failed. In contrast, soft backpacks easily passed the size check and could fit more items thanks to their flexible shape.

Avoid Baggage Fees on Budget Airlines: Choose Backpacks Over Wheels
Backpacks don’t just fit more — they compress well, helping travelers stay within weight limits. “There are a few cabin suitcases that work,” Chelsea said, “but backpacks are the safer option.” Many experienced travelers agreed, saying switching to a backpack helped them breeze past gate agents without those annoying last-minute fees.
The airline industry has also evolved post-pandemic. In 2020, fewer flights meant fewer missing bags, streamlining luggage handling. Today, advancements like AI-powered tracking systems (like Bag Vision) and India’s DigiYatra app are making airport experiences smoother and paper-free.
From self-check-in kiosks to mobile bag tags, flying is slowly becoming less of a headache. Still, knowing what bag to bring can make all the difference. So next time you fly, Avoid Baggage Fees on Budget Airlines by ditching the wheels and going soft. You might just save enough for that extra beachside cocktail — and honestly, who wouldn’t want that?
Table of Contents
Source: www.inquisitr.com