Oversized backpack at the gate - how much does it cost and how can you avoid it?

A queue to board the plane, an airline employee pointing to a metal frame, and a backpack that won’t fit inside. That moment can cost more than the ticket itself: on low-cost airlines, the fee for oversized baggage at the gate is usually 60-75 euros, and the backpack ends up in the hold. The good news is that this situation is easy to avoid. We explain how much oversized baggage costs at the gate, the free carry-on baggage dimensions for popular airlines, and how to choose a backpack for air travel that will pass every check.

As of October 2026. Fees and limits change frequently – always check your airline’s website before flying.

What happens if your backpack is too big?

At the gate, airline staff visually inspect carry-on baggage and, if in doubt, ask you to place it in a measuring frame (the so-called sizer). The frame has exactly the same dimensions as the airline’s free carry-on baggage allowance. If the backpack doesn’t fit, even because of a protruding pocket or an overstuffed front panel, the airline considers it oversized baggage.

W this situation, there are usually two options: pay the fee and hand over the backpack to be placed in the hold, or leave some of your belongings behind. A backpack checked at the gate can only be collected from the baggage carousel after arrival, so it’s worth taking out your documents, medication, electronics, and power bank beforehand, as it cannot be carried in the hold.

Gate checks are not random. Ryanair pays ground staff a bonus for every oversized bag they catch - the airline’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, spoke about this publicly in 2026. So it’s best to assume your backpack will be checked.

How much does oversized baggage cost at the gate?

This is the most expensive way to transport baggage. The same backpack checked in when booking would cost several times less.

Airline	Fee for oversized baggage at the gate	What happens to the baggage
Ryanair	approx. €70–75*	goes in the hold
Wizz Air	approx. €65–70*	goes in the hold
Vueling	up to €75 (baggage over 55x40x20 cm – up to €140)	goes in the hold
easyJet	approx. 60 GBP at airports in the UK	goes in the hold
LOT	additional fee according to the airline’s price list	goes in the hold

* The airline does not publish an exact amount on its website; we provide figures from media reports from 2026. Amounts may vary depending on the route and the currency of the country of departure.

For comparison: adding larger baggage when booking online usually costs from a few to several dozen euros. The later you add it, the more it costs, and it’s most expensive at the gate.

Free carry-on baggage dimensions for popular airlines

Each airline sets its own dimensions for free carry-on baggage, meaning the item that must fit under the seat in front of you. The dimensions include everything: handles, pockets, and wheels.

Airline	Free carry-on baggage	Paid cabin baggage
Ryanair	40x30x20 cm	55x40x20 cm, up to 10 kg
Wizz Air	40x30x20 cm	55x40x23 cm, up to 10 kg
Vueling	40x30x20 cm	55x40x20 cm
easyJet	45x36x20 cm, up to 15 kg	56x45x25 cm, up to 15 kg
Norwegian	30x40x20 cm, up to 10 kg	55x40x23 cm
Eurowings (BASIC fare)	40x30x25 cm	55x40x23 cm, up to 8 kg
LOT	40x35x12 cm, up to 2 kg	55x40x23 cm, up to 8 kg - included in the ticket price

40x30x20 cm backpack - why is this size so popular?

The 40x30x20 cm size is now standard on many budget airlines. Ryanair increased the size of its free carry-on baggage to this limit in 2025, and Wizz Air and Vueling, among others, use the same limit. That's why a 40x30x20 cm backpack is the most versatile choice for people who fly with different budget airlines. However, keep in mind that some airlines have a smaller limit. For example, on LOT, a personal item can be only 12 cm deep.

Ryanair backpack - what should you watch out for?

Ryanair is one of the airlines that checks baggage at the gate most often. A Ryanair backpack must fit entirely inside the 40x30x20 cm sizer, including the outer pockets and handle. The most common problems are an overpacked backpack that bulges in depth and a water bottle in a side pocket.

What will the new EU rules change?

The European Union has adopted new rules on passenger rights. They guarantee every passenger a free personal item measuring at least 40x30x15 cm. However, they do not introduce a common standard for larger cabin baggage, so airlines can still charge for it. The new rules are expected to take effect in fall 2027.

How can you avoid an excess baggage fee at the gate?

1. Check your airline's size limits before packing. Don't assume the limits are the same everywhere. If you're flying with different airlines on your outbound and return flights, pack to the smaller limit.
2. Measure your backpack after packing. The dimensions given by the manufacturer apply to an empty backpack. A full backpack made of soft material may "grow" by a few centimeters.
3. Don't overfill the outer pockets. They're the most common reason a backpack won't fit in the sizer. Put your water bottle, hat or scarf inside.
4. Wear your bulkiest clothes. Wearing your jacket, sweatshirt and heaviest shoes means a few less centimeters of space needed in your backpack.
5. Pack compactly. Roll your clothes, use packing organizers and limit the number of pairs of shoes. Transfer toiletries into small travel containers.
6. If you know you'll need more baggage, buy it online. A cabin suitcase or checked baggage purchased when booking costs much less than paying at the gate.

Which backpack should you choose for flying?

A good airplane backpack has dimensions that fit the airline's limits and a sturdy design that won't bulge after packing. Pay attention to:

• External dimensions - a 40x30x20 cm backpack should meet these dimensions including pockets and straps, not just the main compartment.
• Opens like a suitcase - a backpack with a wraparound zipper lets you pack in layers and use every inch more easily.
• A compartment for a laptop and small items - at security, you can quickly take out your electronics or toiletry bag.
• Compression - compression straps or a vacuum backpack help reduce the volume of clothing.
• Zipped exterior pockets - useful, but flat so they don't add to the backpack's depth.

A backpack that fits the dimensions for free carry-on baggage is an investment that often pays for itself on the very first trip - one gate fee can cost as much as the backpack itself.

Summary

An oversized backpack at the gate is one of the most expensive mistakes when traveling with low-cost airlines - the fee often exceeds the ticket price. However, all you need to do is check your airline's free carry-on baggage dimensions, measure your backpack once packed, and avoid overfilling the outer pockets. The most convenient option is to choose a backpack for flying that is designed from the outset to fit the popular 40x30x20 cm size - then gate checks are no longer stressful.

Backpack for flying - frequently asked questions

How much does an oversized backpack cost at the Ryanair gate?

According to media reports from 2026, the fee is around 70-75 euros, and the backpack is placed in the hold. The exact amount depends on the route and the currency of the country of departure.

Will a 40x30x20 cm backpack fit with every airline?

Not with every airline. This size is accepted as free carry-on baggage by Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Vueling, among others, while easyJet allows a larger size. W some airlines, such as LOT, personal items must be shallower, so always check the size limit before your flight.

Do the free baggage dimensions include pockets and handles?

Yes. The dimensions specified by the airline apply to the entire bag, including pockets, straps, handles, and wheels. The backpack must fit entirely into the measuring frame.

Does the airline always measure baggage at the gate?

Not always, but it's not worth counting on that. Checks are becoming more frequent, and at Ryanair, for example, ground staff receive bonuses for catching oversized bags.

Which is cheaper: buying extra baggage online or paying at the gate?

Definitely, buy extra baggage online when booking. The excess baggage fee at the gate is the most expensive option and usually costs several times more than baggage bought in advance.

SEE ALSO: Liquids in carry-on baggage - at which airports in Europe can you bring 2 liters?