Differences between excess baggage and extra baggage
Excess baggage and extra baggage are two different concepts that refer to the fees charged for carrying suitcases with airlines. Excess baggage occurs when the weight or dimensions of your luggage exceed the limits set out in your ticket terms. In such a case, the passenger has to pay extra for every kilogram above the permitted allowance.
So how much does 1 kg of excess baggage cost per flight?
It can involve various costs depending on the carrier's policy. Extra baggage, on the other hand, applies when a passenger decides to bring more pieces of luggage than their ticket allows. Fees for extra baggage are usually fixed and set in advance by the airlines, which makes it easier to plan your costs before the trip.
How much do you pay for excess baggage? Examples
Excess baggage costs at airlines vary depending on the carrier, the route and the season. What is the price of 1 kg of excess baggage with Wizz Air? It is PLN 44 for every kilogram exceeding the permitted weight limit. Prices for checked baggage depend on the season - in the low season they start at PLN 38.56 for baggage weighing up to 10 kg, while in the high season they can reach as much as PLN 471.84 for baggage up to 32 kg. It is worth planning the weight and number of bags in advance to avoid higher costs. The excess baggage fee with Ryanair is EUR 12, or about PLN 54, for every kilogram above the permitted limit. The carrier allows you to add a maximum of 3 kg to a 20 kg bag. Fees for checked baggage depend on the route and the time of booking - they start at EUR 12.99 and can reach as much as EUR 35.99, which corresponds to roughly PLN 58 to PLN 162. Fees at the airport, however, are considerably higher, so it is worth buying earlier.
How much does extra baggage on a plane cost?
Prices with Wizz Air for extra checked baggage start at PLN 53 for up to 10 kg in the low season, and in the high season they can reach as much as PLN 119. For pieces up to 20 kg the costs range from PLN 88 to PLN 221, and for baggage weighing up to 32 kg - from PLN 137 to PLN 318. Keep in mind that fees at the airport are considerably higher, reaching PLN 243 per piece up to 20 kg and as much as PLN 530 for up to 32 kg. With Ryanair, in turn, extra checked baggage is also charged for. For pieces up to 10 kg, passengers will pay from EUR 12.99 (about PLN 58) to EUR 35.99 (about PLN 162), depending on the travel dates. For baggage up to 20 kg, the fees range from EUR 20.99 (about PLN 95) to EUR 59.99 (about PLN 270). In addition, Ryanair charges about EUR 9 (about PLN 40) for every kilogram of excess baggage above the permitted limits. Thoughtful baggage planning and buying additional pieces online allow for significant savings while avoiding the higher fees charged at the airport.
How much do you pay for excess baggage at the airport?
A comparison with extra baggage. When comparing the costs of excess baggage and extra baggage, it is worth paying attention to the differences in how they are calculated and how cost-effective they are depending on the amount of items to be carried. The excess baggage fee may be more favourable for small overages, because it is charged per kilogram. However, the costs rise quickly in the case of larger overages, which can significantly increase the total expense.
Extra baggage comes with fixed fees that you pay when buying your ticket. As a result, this option is more predictable and often more favourable if you plan to take a larger amount of items. The choice between these options should depend on your individual needs, the length of the trip and the amount of luggage you need. Analysing the carriers' price lists and planning the number of suitcases in advance will allow you to make the decision that is most cost-effective and to avoid additional, unexpected costs.
How to prepare for a trip to avoid excess baggage fees?
Avoiding excess baggage fees requires proper preparation and planning of what you will take with you before the trip. First and foremost, it is worth checking the weight and dimension limits set by the airline so you can match the contents of your suitcase to the applicable requirements. Carefully weighing your luggage at home will help you avoid surprises at the airport. A well-chosen suitcase that is lightweight and meets the carrier's requirements can significantly reduce the risk of exceeding the limits. If you plan to take more items, an alternative may be to use an airport car park with a transfer . This makes it easier to transport extra luggage, especially on longer trips, which can be more practical and cheaper than excess baggage fees.
