What's allowed and what's not: navigating airline carry-on rules

Airlines have a set of rules regarding the contents of carry-on luggage. Check out what exactly you can pack in it to avoid additional costs.

More and more people are choosing the plane as a means of transportation for holidays. It allows quick travel over long distances, and ticket prices, especially with low-cost airlines, can be very tempting. Unfortunately, the most cost-effective option is to travel only with carry-on luggage, which is the only one included in the ticket price. However, before you pack your suitcase, check what you can take.

In most low-cost airlines, carry-on luggage is included in the ticket price but must fit within specified dimensions. If you exceed the size or weight limits, you will have to pay for excess baggage. For example, with Ryanair, free carry-on luggage must not exceed dimensions of 40 × 20 × 25 cm. In contrast, with Wizz Air, the acceptable dimensions are 40 × 30 × 20 cm. This luggage must fit under the seat during the flight.

Many also wonder if they can have another bag besides carry-on luggage on Ryanair. Unfortunately, they cannot. It all depends on the staff checking the baggage before boarding, but a woman's handbag is treated as additional baggage in most cases. It is different with small pouches like "fanny packs"—they can be carried on both Ryanair and Wizz Air without extra charges.

We cannot bring sharp objects, weapons, most flammable materials, or some chemicals on the plane. We might also face issues with keychains that resemble grenades, bullets, or bombs.