Ryanair and Wizz Air Cabin Baggage 2026: Rules and Tips

Few topics raise as many questions before a flight as cabin baggage. Will my backpack fit under the seat? What can I bring for free and what do I pay extra for? Two major low-cost carriers fly from Košice – Ryanair and Wizz Air – and each has its own rules and its own dimensions. This overview covers the limits valid in 2026, the differences between the two airlines and practical tips to help you avoid unpleasant extra charges at boarding.

The free small bag: 40 × 30 × 20 cm with both carriers

Good news first: Ryanair and Wizz Air now use the same size for the free cabin bag. Every passenger may bring one small bag with maximum dimensions of 40 × 30 × 20 cm, which must fit under the seat in front of you. It can be a small backpack, a handbag or a laptop bag. Ryanair states no official weight limit for this bag; Wizz Air caps it at 10 kg – in practice, however, it is mainly the dimensions that get checked.

Mind one important detail: wheels, handles and outer pockets all count towards the dimensions. A case described by its manufacturer as “cabin size” may in reality be a few centimetres larger than the rules allow.

A bigger bag in the cabin: Priority and WIZZ Priority

If the small bag is not enough, both carriers offer a paid service that adds a second piece of cabin baggage in the overhead locker. Ryanair calls it Priority & 2 Cabin Bags and allows a case up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm weighing up to 10 kg. Wizz Air offers WIZZ Priority with a slightly more generous 55 × 40 × 23 cm, also up to 10 kg.

Besides the extra bag you also get priority boarding, which is especially useful in the busy summer season when overhead space runs out quickly. The price of the service varies by route and date, but it is generally much cheaper when bought online in advance than added later.

Checked baggage: when it pays off

For longer trips or a family holiday it is often more practical to buy checked baggage. Both carriers offer several weight options that you select when booking. A simple rule applies: the earlier you buy, the less you pay. Adding a bag at the airport is always the most expensive option. If several of you are travelling, one larger checked bag for the whole family plus a small cabin bag each is often enough.

Gate checks: what to watch out for

Ryanair and Wizz Air really do check baggage sizes at the gate using measuring cages. If your bag does not fit and you have not bought the appropriate service, it goes into the hold for a fee noticeably higher than the price of the service bought in advance. Measure your bag at home before you travel – wheels included – and when in doubt, choose a smaller bag or pay for Priority.

What does not belong in cabin baggage

Regardless of the airline, uniform security rules apply at the airport. Liquids may only be carried in containers of up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent resealable bag of up to one litre. Sharp objects, knives and scissors with longer blades belong exclusively in checked baggage. Power banks and spare batteries, on the other hand, must travel in the cabin – putting them in the hold is prohibited. If you are unsure about a specific item, check in advance rather than losing it at security.

Traditional carriers: Austrian and LOT have different rules

Low-cost airlines are not the only ones flying from Košice. Austrian Airlines to Vienna and LOT to Warsaw operate on the classic model, where a cabin trolley is included in most fares at no extra charge. Exact conditions depend on the fare, so verify them when booking. A complete overview of all routes from Košice, including carriers, is available in our flight schedule.

Tips for passengers from Košice

If you are still deciding where to go, browse our overview of destinations from Košice or the current promotional flight tickets – with low-cost fares in particular, well-packed cabin baggage keeps the total cost of your trip genuinely low.

One last tip: before heading to the airport, check the current arrivals and departures. With the right bag and an early arrival, nothing at the gate will surprise you.

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Cheap flights from Košice

Selected routes from Košice Airport. Prices are indicative and change with availability and dates.