Hidden Baggage Fees 2025: Airline-by-Airline Guide to Avoid Getting Ripped Off

Airlines are getting more inventive in 2025. While base fares may look cheaper, hidden baggage fees can double the real cost of your trip — unless you know exactly what to look for. This updated guide reveals what each major airline charges (and hides) in their baggage policies. Be sure to check the tips for various airlines below!

💼 Quick Take: Hidden baggage fees in 2025 can double your flight cost. Here’s how to sidestep surprise charges, airline by airline.

📌 Save this guide on Pinterest so you can find it later — or share it with someone planning a trip!

Want to avoid more hidden travel costs? See our guides to Duty-free shopping hacks and Secret museum entrances in Europe.

✈️ Why Baggage Fees Are Getting Worse

In 2025, low-cost carriers have doubled down on “a la carte” pricing, and legacy airlines are quietly following. Even traditional carriers now charge for overhead bags on basic economy. Some fees only appear after checkout or depend on how you check in.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of baggage policies and fees by airline, plus insider tips to dodge them legally.

🔎 Baggage Fees by Airline (2025)

🛫 Ryanair (Europe)

» Ryanair baggage rules

• Cabin bag fee: €8–€30 (depending on route + time of booking)
• Checked bag: €25–€50 for 20kg bag
• Hidden fee tip: Adding baggage during check-in costs up to 40% more

🛫 Wizz Air (Europe)

» Wizz Air baggage rules

• Carry-on bag: from €5
• Checked bag: from €17–€60
• Hidden fee tip: Use the Wizz Discount Club — it often reduces bag fees even more than fares

🛫 Lufthansa (Germany)

» Lufthansa baggage rules

• Basic Economy: No free checked bag
• Checked bag: €30–€70 depending on zone
• Hidden fee tip: Baggage is sometimes free if you book through codeshare partners

🛫 Finnair (Finland)

» Finnair baggage rules

• Hand luggage: included
• Checked bag: €20–€60 (domestic) / €30–€100 (international)
• Hidden fee tip: Book via American Airlines or BA codeshare — often cheaper bags included

🛫 Delta / United / American (USA)

» Delta baggage rules

• Checked bag (domestic): $35 1st bag, $45 2nd bag
• Carry-on: Free (except Basic Economy for United)
• Hidden fee tip: Check-in at the kiosk = cheaper add-on vs. counter

💼 How to Avoid Airline Baggage Fees

• Use a bag that fits underseat dimensions (most airlines allow this for free)
• Pay for bags during booking, not later
• Join airline loyalty programs or apps: Free bag offers pop up regularly
• Use credit cards that offer travel perks (some cover 1–2 checked bags)
• Use Apple Wallet or Google Pay boarding passes to skip check-in upsells

🧳 Hidden Portals Travel Hack: The One-Bag Method

Want to skip fees entirely? Try our tested one-bag method — travel with just a 20–25L soft carry-on that fits under any seat, even on Ryanair. Our readers recommend the Topo Designs Global Briefcase and Nomatic Navigator Sling.

📌 Final Thoughts

Airlines are shifting their profit model from ticket prices to hidden fees, especially for luggage. If you know the rules, you can easily beat the system. Bookmark this 2025 guide and always check airline baggage policies before booking.