Budget-Friendly Baggage Tips for Low-Cost Flights

Flying with low-cost carriers (LCCs) is a budget-friendly way to travel, but strict baggage rules can sometimes lead to unexpected fees. Understanding LCC baggage policies and packing smartly can help you avoid extra charges and enjoy a hassle-free journey.

Avoid Extra Baggage Fees When Flying with Budget Airlines

Source: NerdWallet

When flying with low-cost carriers (LCCs), one common issue that many travellers face is baggage weight limits. Unlike full-service airlines, LCCs tend to be stricter with their baggage policies. If your luggage exceeds the allowed limit, you may be charged additional fees—sometimes even more than your actual ticket!

That’s the last thing you’d want, especially after scoring a great deal on your flight. To help you avoid unnecessary costs and enjoy a smooth journey, we've put together a guide to the baggage rules of popular LCCs in Japan, along with a few handy tips.

LCC Cabin Baggage Allowance Summary

Tips for Malaysian Travellers to Avoid Extra Fees:

1. Weigh Your Luggage at Home
   Invest in a small luggage scale and check your bag before leaving for the airport. It's a small step that can save you from surprise charges.
2. Pack Smart
   Use packing cubes, wear your heaviest clothes on the plane, and bring only essentials. Travel-sized toiletries and versatile outfits go a long way.
3. Know the Airline’s Policy Beforehand
   Every airline has its own set of rules, even within the LCC category. Always check the baggage allowance for your specific flight when booking.
4. Consider Pre-Purchasing Extra Allowance
   If you know you’ll exceed the free limit, it’s usually cheaper to buy extra baggage online before your flight, rather than paying at the counter.
5. Use a Lightweight Bag
   Heavy bags eat into your weight allowance. Go for a lightweight carry-on that maximises your usable weight.

Why Do Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) Have Strict Baggage Rules?

Source: The Independent

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) are able to offer such affordable airfares mainly because they operate on a tight cost-saving model. One of the largest expenses in airline operations is fuel, which can make up around 25% of the total operating costs. To keep ticket prices low, LCCs enforce strict baggage rules to reduce the overall weight of the aircraft—ultimately helping to lower fuel consumption.

Here are some common baggage rules enforced by LCCs:

• Strict carry-on baggage weight and size limits
• Checked baggage fees
• Additional charges if your baggage exceeds the allowed limit

Understanding these rules is essential to avoid paying extra and to make the most of your travel budget.

LCC Carry-On Baggage Rules: What Foreign Travellers Should Know

Source: Journal.re

If you're flying with a low-cost carrier (LCC), it's important to understand their cabin baggage rules to avoid unexpected charges at the airport. We’ve compared the carry-on baggage allowances of major LCCs in Asia to help you travel worry-free.

Carry-On Baggage Allowance for Major LCCs

Summary for Travellers

• All LCCs allow up to two pieces of carry-on luggage.
• These usually include one main bag (like a small cabin suitcase) and one personal item (such as a handbag, laptop bag, or camera bag).
• Size limits include the handles and wheels of your bag, so measure carefully.
• Your carry-on must be compact enough to fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment.

How Do LCC Baggage Rules Compare with Major Airlines?

Source: Care Health Insurance

For better understanding, let’s compare the cabin baggage allowances of low-cost carriers (LCCs) with those of full-service airlines like Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA).

Carry-On Baggage Allowance: JAL & ANA (Domestic Flights)

As you can see, major airlines allow up to 10kg for cabin baggage, which is more generous than the 7kg limit imposed by many LCCs like Peach and Jetstar.

That 3kg difference may not seem like much at first, but when packing for an international trip, it can be quite significant—especially if you’re bringing gadgets, toiletries, or shopping items. So, if you’re flying with a low-cost carrier, it’s important to plan and pack carefully to avoid excess baggage fees.

Checked Baggage Rules for Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs)

Source: www.cph.dk

While most low-cost carriers charge for checked baggage, there are a few that offer free checked baggage allowance—a big plus if you're travelling with more than just a carry-on.

LCCs That Allow Free Checked Baggage

These airlines give passengers the convenience of checking in luggage for free, up to a total weight of 20kg. There is no specific limit on the number of bags, but if your combined weight exceeds 20kg, you’ll need to pay an excess baggage fee.

So if you’re travelling with heavier items or planning to do some shopping, these LCCs may offer better value for your trip.

Checked Baggage Rules for LCCs (Paid Options)

Source: Zoomlite

Now let’s take a look at the checked baggage policies for major low-cost carriers (LCCs) that do not offer free checked baggage by default.

Checked baggage fees on LCCs can vary significantly depending on the fare type, total weight, and when you make the payment. Buying baggage allowance online during your booking is usually much cheaper than paying at the airport counter or boarding gate.

Be sure to always check the latest baggage policy on the official website of each airline before your trip.

Checked Baggage Comparison (Paid) – Major LCCs

Traveller Tips

• Book baggage online early – It’s the most cost-effective option.
• Watch the total weight, not just individual bags.
• Check if your fare type includes baggage – Some premium LCC fare tiers include free baggage.

Special Baggage Rules for LCCs

Source: BaggageBee

If you're planning to travel with sports gear or bulky items, take note: special baggage such as golf sets, bicycles, or surfboards usually comes with additional charges that are separate from standard checked baggage fees.

Below is a comparison of special baggage fees for major low-cost carriers (LCCs) on domestic flights:

Special Baggage Fees (Domestic Flights)

Traveller Tips

• Reserve and pay online in advance – It’s always cheaper than paying at the airport.
• Pack your equipment properly – Many airlines require special packaging or protective covers for items like bicycles and surfboards.
• Double-check size and weight restrictions to avoid extra fees at check-in.

Common Mistakes When Flying with LCCs – And How to Handle Them

Source: i-con

Travelling with low-cost carriers (LCCs) is a great way to save money, but the strict luggage policies can sometimes catch travellers off guard. Here are the three most common mistakes and practical tips to avoid paying extra fees.

1. Your Luggage Is Overweight

The most common issue is exceeding the weight limit. If your luggage is overweight at the check-in counter, try the “wear-your-luggage” trick. Move smaller items like phone chargers, cosmetics, or books into your jacket or coat pockets.

If you're travelling with a companion, you can also redistribute heavier items into their bag—especially if they have unused baggage allowance. Every little bit helps when staying under the weight limit.

2. Your Suitcase Is Too Big

Another common problem is that your bag doesn't fit the airline's size checker. Often, this is due to items bulging from external pockets.

Try removing documents, snacks, or small items from the outer compartments and placing them in a separate handbag or in your coat pockets. This small adjustment may help your luggage meet the size requirements and save you from being charged for oversized baggage.

3. Not Knowing What You Can or Cannot Bring

LCC baggage policies vary from one airline to another, and even between fare types. Some items allowed on one carrier may not be allowed on another.

To avoid surprises:

• Double-check the carry-on and checked baggage rules on the airline's official website before your travel date.
• As your flight approaches, reconfirm the regulations, especially if you’ve made changes to your packing.
• Weigh and measure your luggage at home before heading to the airport to ensure you’re within the limits.

Tips to Keep Your LCC Baggage Under 7kg

Source: www.elal.com

When flying with a low-cost carrier (LCC), staying within the 7kg cabin baggage limit can be challenging—but it’s definitely possible with a few clever strategies. Here are some useful tips to help you pack smart and travel light without compromising comfort.

Tip 1: Use Compression Bags for Clothes

Compression bags are a game-changer when packing. They reduce clothing volume by 50% or more, making it easier to fit everything into a smaller bag.

• Clothes like sweaters and down jackets, which trap a lot of air, are ideal for compression.
• Choose lightweight, quick-dry materials like polyester or nylon instead of heavier cotton.
• By choosing clothes that dry quickly, you can pack fewer pieces and wash them during your trip.

Tip 2: Pack Multi-Purpose Items

Save space by bringing items that serve more than one function.

• A large scarf or shawl can double as a blanket, beach mat, or even a pillow cover.
• Use your smartphone for multiple tasks—navigation, camera, entertainment, and notes—so you don’t need extra gadgets.
• For toiletries, go for travel-sized, multi-use cosmetics like a tinted moisturiser with SPF or a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.

Tip 3: Use a Lightweight Suitcase & Wear Your Heavier Items

• Choose the lightest carry-on bag possible—ideally 2kg or less. Soft fabric luggage is usually lighter than hard shell types.
• Go for a simple, compact design, preferably without bulky outer pockets that may push your bag over size limits.

To maximise your carry-on limit:

• Wear heavier items like jackets, jeans, or shoes instead of packing them.
• Keep small but heavy essentials (power bank, phone, wallet) in your coat or pants pockets.
• Consider using a small travel pouch worn around your neck or waist to carry documents and valuables.

Stay Within Limits: Wrapping Up LCC Baggage Tips

Source: Apollo Rejser

By following these practical tips—using compression bags, choosing multi-purpose items, and wearing heavier belongings—you can easily keep your carry-on under 7kg. With careful planning, travelling on LCCs becomes not only affordable but also stress-free.