Hand luggage and low-cost airlines: avoid surprises on Baltic routes
By the Baltic Flights team · · 5 min read
Several low-cost airlines fly from the Baltic airports, and their headline fares can look very low. The trick is to compare the price of the trip you will actually take, with the bags you actually need.
The cheapest fare usually includes very little
The lowest fare on many low-cost airlines covers a personal item that fits under the seat and nothing else. A bigger cabin bag, a checked bag, a chosen seat and sometimes even printing a boarding pass at the airport can all cost extra.
Check the rules for your exact fare
Allowed sizes and weights differ between airlines and between fare types, and they change over time. Always check the airline's rules for the fare you are buying instead of relying on what you remember from a previous flight. Where the provider shares it, Baltic Flights shows the baggage included in each offer.
- Measure your cabin bag, including wheels and handles.
- Buy checked baggage online: it is almost always cheaper than at the airport.
- Winter trips mean bulky coats and boots: plan the weight.
Compare the total, not the headline
A fare that looks twenty euros cheaper can end up more expensive once you add a cabin bag in each direction. Add the extras you need to each offer before you decide. On many routes a full-service airline that includes a bag ends up the better deal.
Special items
Skis, snowboards, bicycles and musical instruments usually have their own rules and fees. Check them before you buy, because adding them later is often more expensive.