Your guide to Wizzair's hand luggage rules - and how to avoid being charged extra

Wizzair's hand luggage rules are designed to bump up the price you pay for your flight above the headline grabbing initial fare. Though the extra fees can be substancial, there are ways to avoid them. Read on to see how.

In a nutshell: What are Wizzair's hand luggage rules?

  • All passengers are now only permitted to bring a 40x30x20 cm bag on board with them without incurring additional charges. This is your free allowance, and if you haven't bought any extra add-ons or bundles, this is the hand luggage allowance that your ticket permits.
  • Those who wish to bring a larger cabin bag on board with them (up to 55x40x23 cm) must pay additional charges.
  • The cheapest way for passengers can obtain the extra allowance for a larger carry on bag is to buy it through the 'Wizz Priority' add on bundle, though other bundles that include the large cabin bag allowance are available at a greater cost.
  • The cost of Wizz Priority varies depending on when and where you buy it. It can cost between £8.81 - £52.87 (€10.00 – ‎€60.00) per flight, per passenger if you buy it online or via Wizz's call centre. It will cost £48.50 (€55) if you buy it upon arrival at the airport.
  • Those who have not paid for the larger cabin bag allowance and show up to the airport with a bag that is bigger than 40x30x20 cm will be charged £48 for the bag to be placed in the aircraft hold.

In detail: How much will the extra charges cost?

Wizzair states that the extra fees vary by flight, but it is safe to say that finding a flight where the Wizz Priority charges are at the lower end of their price spectrum is difficult. We’ve researched a range of domestic and international flights and found the charges generally tend to be around £25-45 per flight.

For example, on return flights from London Gatwick to Catania, Wizzair asked £41 per flight to take a larger cabin bag on board. Therefore a passenger with a traditionally sized cabin bag could expect to pay at least £82 in extra fees over a round trip in order to take this bag on board.

Charges right at the top end of Wizzair's stated price range are not a myth though - on a flight from London Luton to Budapest, Wizzair asked £48 per flight to take a larger cabin bag on board, ensuring a traveller with traditionally sized hand luggage would need to pay almost £96 extra over a return trip.

Often these extra charges outweigh the cost of the initial flight itself, but they can be avoided entirely if you choose the right bag.

How to avoid these extra charges

Cabin Max has several hand luggage bags that are perfectly sized to comply with Wizzair’s 40x30x20 cm free hand luggage allowance and ensure you can avoid these excessive extra fees. These bags are designed to offer you the maximum amount of space without being subject to Wizz’s extra fees. They fit Wizzair’s luggage sizers like a glove and stow away safely underneath the seat in front of you when you’re on the flight. You can find the full range here, but here are a few of our Wizzair-sized bestsellers:

Metz 24L

Metz 24L Backpack - 40x30x20cm - Cabin Max

The Metz 24L Backpack is the ideal travel companion for Wizzair passengers. Its compact size (40x30x20 cm) ensures it complies with the airline's strict cabin baggage rules, while its spacious 24-litre interior lets you pack more than you'd think. The suitcase-style opening and large unimpeded packing compartment offer ultimate packing convenience. Weighing just 600g, it's incredibly lightweight and comfortable to carry, thanks to its extensive padding. With a front organiser pocket and quick-access pocket, your essentials are always within reach. The Metz was the original no-nonsense cabin backpack, first going on sale in 2007 and we suspect it will continue to be a bestseller long in to the future.

Anode 24L Cabin Case

Anode 24L TwinWheel Underseat Case - 40x30x20cm - Cabin Max
The Anode 24L TwinWheel is the perfect solution to avoid extra hand luggage fees on Wizz Air. Its compact size (40x30x20 cm) and lightweight design (1.5kg) ensure it fits their sizer comfortably. The spacious interior, equipped with packing straps, a zipped divider, and a pocket for accessories, maximizes your packing potential. Constructed from durable ABS material and featuring strong zippers and a sturdy handle, this case is both practical and stylish. Available in 14 vibrant colors, you can choose the perfect one to match your personal style.

Evos Expandable Hybrid

Evos Underseat Expandable Hybrid - 40x30x20cm - Cabin Max
This hybrid bag seamlessly switches between trolley and backpack modes, making it perfect for any travel situation. Designed to fit under-seat restrictions on budget airlines like Wizz Air, Volotea, and Vueling, the Evos ensures a hassle-free journey. With features like compression straps, packing pocket and laptop storage you can maximise your packing space and keep your belongings organised. Choose the Evos for a stress-free travel experience. With its expandable design, the Evos can be used in 40x30x15 cm form to meet the 'personal item' rules of many flag-carrier airlines, or expanded to the 40x30x20 cm size that is perfect for Wizzair's free allowance. A truly versatile bag.

Gozo Expandable Holdall

The Gozo Expandable Cabin Bag is the ultimate travel companion for budget airlines. This versatile bag can expand from a Ryanair-friendly 40x20x25 cm to  40x30x20 cm, ensuring compliance with Wizzair, Vueling, Volotea, and Easyjet. With multiple compartments, a padded laptop sleeve, and a durable, recycled design, the Gozo offers both style and functionality.

Memphis 24L Backpack

Memphis 24L Backpack ♻️ - 40x30x20cm - Cabin Max
The Memphis 24L is the perfect travel companion for the budget-conscious adventurer. Its compact 40x30x20cm design effortlessly dodges those pesky extra baggage fees on airlines like Wizzair. Versatile and adaptable, it transforms from a backpack to a carry-on bag, even attaching to your rolling luggage for seamless travel. With a 24L capacity and a clever compression system, you'll maximise space for all your essentials. The padded laptop compartment, 3D packing pockets, and organiser section keep everything tidy and secure. A discreet rear pocket adds an extra layer of security, while the padded backpack straps, adjustable chest strap, and sunglasses loop ensure comfortable carrying. Crafted from durable, showerproof, and eco-friendly recycled polyester, the Memphis 24L is the stylish and sustainable choice for your next trip.

Manhattan 24L

The Manhattan 24L is the perfect cabin bag for savvy travellers, especially those flying with Wizzair. Its compact design, measuring 40x30x20 cm, ensures it fits within Wizzair's strict hand luggage size limits. With a generous 24-litre capacity and a wide-opening design, packing is a breeze. The padded backpack straps and luggage strap offer flexible carrying options, while the side bottle holder keeps you hydrated on the go. The front pocket and rear laptop compartment keep your essentials organised and secure. Crafted from durable twill polyester and faux polyester suede, the Manhattan 24L is both stylish and practical.

Vela 24L Holdall

 

The Vela 24L is the stylish and practical solution for frequent flyers, particularly those travelling with Wizzair. Its compact 40x30x20cm design ensures compliance with Wizzair's strict hand luggage size limits, saving you from costly extra baggage fees. Versatile and adaptable, it can be worn as a shoulder bag, carried by the top handles, or attached to your rolling luggage for effortless travel. With a 24L capacity, dedicated compartments for your laptop, iPad, and Kindle, and netted pockets for accessories, it keeps your belongings organised and secure. External pockets provide quick access to essentials like your phone, tickets, and travel documents. Crafted from lightweight 600D PU material with vegan leather and metallic accents, the Vela 24L is the epitome of sleek, modern design.

But wait, there's more...

We offer a full selection of cabin bags to fit Wizzair's free allowance - see the full range here.

 

November 29, 2024 — Martin Barwise
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