Budget airline fees in 2026: what Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz now charge

Ryanair quietly raised its carry-on baggage limit price again this summer, while easyJet's seat selection fees crept up alongside cabin bag charges. If you've booked a budget flight from Stansted or Luton recently and felt stung by add-ons, you're not imagining it—the low-cost carriers have all tightened their fee structures heading into 2026.

The good news: knowing what each airline charges lets you dodge surprises. The better news: there are still smart ways to avoid paying.

Ryanair's 2026 fee structure

Ryanair's headline fares remain genuinely cheap, but the airline makes heavy use of ancillaries to pad margins. A carry-on bag now costs noticeably more than it did two years ago, and if you need to check a suitcase, expect a significant charge—especially if you're booking late or on a peak route.

Seat selection varies wildly depending on demand. Standard seats stay free, but premium spots (extra legroom, front rows, aisle seats on busier flights) now command higher prices than before. If you're flexible on seating and don't mind middle rows toward the back, you can save here.

Ryanair also charges for checked bags by weight, not just number. A single 10kg bag costs less than a 20kg one, so pack light if you can. Checked baggage fees scale upward the closer you get to departure, which rewards advance planning.

easyJet's approach in 2026

easyJet positions itself as slightly friendlier to budget travellers than Ryanair, and the fee model reflects that—but only if you're savvy. One free cabin bag (small, personal-item size) comes with all fares. A full-size carry-on now carries a fee that's risen alongside inflation.

Checked baggage requires a paid add-on across all ticket types, though the cost is lower if you buy it during initial booking rather than at the airport. Seat selection fees are modest for standard seats but jump noticeably for extra-legroom rows or forward cabin positions.

easyJet's 'Flex' fare tier has gained traction because it includes checked baggage and seat selection—useful if you're planning a multi-stop holiday or know you'll need flexibility, though the base price is higher.

Wizz Air's competitive edge

Wizz Air, less familiar to many UK travellers but increasingly popular from London airports, has positioned itself as the price leader. Its cabin bag allowance remains generous compared to rivals, which saves money immediately.

Checked baggage fees are competitive, and Wizz's seat selection charges are among the lowest in the sector. The airline's frequent flash sales and loyalty program (Wizz+) also offer genuine value if you travel regularly.

However, Wizz charges for printing boarding passes at the airport and has strict weight limits on cabin bags. Pack within the rules, check in online, and you'll find Wizz competitive with or cheaper than Ryanair on total journey cost.

What's changed in 2026?

All three airlines have tightened definitions around what counts as 'free' baggage. The trend across the industry is toward smaller free allowances and higher add-on prices. Seat selection, once a nice-to-have, now generates meaningful revenue and pricing reflects that.

Checked baggage fees have not fallen. If anything, they've risen in line with fuel and handling costs. Airlines justify this by pointing to low base fares—which is fair, but it means the total price you pay at checkout is often substantially higher than the headline fare.

One shift worth noting: payment terms. Most budget airlines now charge per-item baggage fees (one bag, one fee) rather than per-kilogram, which actually favours heavier packers on short trips but penalises those checking multiple bags.

How to minimise what you pay

• Book baggage upfront. All three airlines charge more for baggage bought at the airport. If you know you'll check a bag, add it during booking.
• Travel light on cabin bags. A personal item (small rucksack, cross-body bag) is free on easyJet and Wizz, and Ryanair's carry-on surcharge is avoidable if you're willing to use only a personal item.
• Avoid peak timing. Ryanair's dynamic pricing means Friday evening and weekend flights attract higher fees. Midweek travel, even on the same route, costs less.
• Skip seat selection unless you need it. Standard seat allocation is free. Pay only if you genuinely want extra legroom or an aisle seat.
• Use price comparison tools. Tools like Plof Air let you see the total cost (flights + hotels, or just flights) across multiple airlines and dates, making it easier to spot which carrier offers the best real-world price for your specific trip.

Where budget airlines still make sense

Despite rising fees, budget carriers remain the cheapest way from London to European city breaks. A Barcelona package or weekend trip to Lisbon booked through a package finder still undercuts legacy carriers significantly, even with baggage and seat fees included.

The key is knowing what each airline charges and building it into your budget before you book. If you're prepared to travel light, book early, and avoid premium seats, a budget flight from Stansted or Luton remains excellent value.

Check live prices on Plof Air to compare total package costs—including flights and hotel—across airlines and dates. You'll quickly see where the real savings lie for your next trip.