🚨 Beware of hidden fees! Here’s what they don’t tell you…
Imagine: you arrive at the airport, ready to board for your trip. You pull your cabin suitcase, confident, but at the boarding gate… “Sorry, your luggage has to go in the hold, it will cost you €60.” 😡
You wonder: “Why? My luggage fits the dimensions!”
🎭 Welcome to the game of airlines! They apply opaque rules, discreetly change their baggage policies, and rely on your lack of attention to impose additional fees. But today, you’re going to discover all their secrets! 🔥
🔎 1. Why your cabin baggage is (often) too large… without you knowing
The true dimensions of cabin luggage (and why they change all the time!)
Do you think all airlines accept the same size of cabin luggage? Wrong! 😨 Restrictions change depending on the airline, and sometimes even… the flight!
📌 Here are some recent (and sneaky) examples:
| ✈️ Airline | 📏 Max dimensions | ⚖️ Max weight | 🎭 Hidden fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | No limit | Standard cabin baggage = mandatory extra charge |
| easyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | No limit | Standard cabin suitcase = mandatory paid option |
| Air France | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 12 kg | Baggage + accessory accepted, but depending on the ticket |
| Lufthansa | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Weight strictly checked before boarding |
🔹 Problem No. 1: No uniformity! Some airlines reduce allowed dimensions without notice.
🔹 Problem No. 2: The measuring racks at the airport are sometimes smaller than the announced dimensions. Result? Your suitcase fits on paper… but not in reality!
💡 TIP: Invest in an ultra-optimized cabin suitcase (with compressible pockets) and always check the dimensions BEFORE your flight.
❌ 2. Prohibited items in the cabin… and those you can sneak in 😉
We know, liquids over 100 ml are prohibited. But did you know that some rules vary depending on the airline and the country?
🚫 Surprising prohibitions:
⚠️ These items are banned in the cabin (and they don’t always tell you):
- External batteries over 100 Wh ⚡ (often banned in the hold too)
- Perfumes bought outside duty-free (even if under 100 ml!)
- Folding pocket knives 🗡️ (even hiking ones)
- Powerbanks without capacity marking (if the battery does not clearly display its power, it may be confiscated)
✅ Lesser-known exceptions:
🎁 Here are items you can take in the cabin (but sometimes they unfairly make you throw away):
- Small scissors less than 6 cm ✂️
- Solid food (cheese, fruits, sandwiches, etc.) 🍎
- Disposable razors 🪒
- Chargers and electrical adapters 🔌
💡 TIP: If an agent refuses an authorized item, ask to see a supervisor or check the airport’s official website.
💸 3. The hidden fees you don’t see coming (and how to avoid them!)
Low-cost airlines have a business model based on additional fees. The ticket is cheap? It’s normal, they plan to make up for it… on your cabin luggage!
💀 Here are the worst traps detected recently:
🔴 The weight check at the boarding gate: some airlines weigh your luggage at the last moment. If it exceeds by a few grams, you pay!
🔴 The mandatory “priority boarding” option: with some airlines, it’s the ONLY way to have free cabin baggage.
🔴 Fees for “baggage compliance”: your baggage goes in the hold? €40 to €80 in fees, even if it’s just 2 cm too big!
💡 TIP:
- Take a travel scale to weigh your luggage before leaving.
- Put heavy items in your coat (clothes are not weighed).
- Filter offers by including baggage fees to avoid unpleasant surprises.
🛄 4. The best tips to optimize your cabin baggage (and never pay more!)
🧳 Choosing the ideal luggage
🔹 Expandable backpack → fits under the seat and avoids overly strict checks.
🔹 Ultra-light cabin suitcase → allows you to maximize the authorized weight for your belongings.
🔹 Compression bag for clothes → reduces volume by 50%!
🎒 Ultimate packing technique: “the military method”
💡 How to fit everything into your cabin baggage?
✅ Roll clothes instead of folding them.
✅ Place heavy items at the bottom to balance the weight.
✅ Use zip bags for cables and small items.
🚀 Your turn to play!
So, have you ever been caught by an airline with your cabin luggage? Share your experience in the comments! 💬
And above all… share this article with your fellow travelers so they can avoid hidden fees! 😉
Julie Lambert – Travel & News Blogger
Passionate about discoveries and current events, I share my adventures around the world along with insights on key societal issues. From travel stories to news analysis, join me in exploring and understanding the world!
