Booking a flight with Wizz Air is often a steal, until you get to the baggage selection screen. Like many ultra-low-cost carriers, this Hungarian airline is strict about what you can bring on board for free.
If you are planning a trip in 2026, understanding the fine print is crucial. A few centimeters of extra fabric or a slightly heavy suitcase can result in airport fees that cost more than your actual ticket.
Quick Summary: Wizz Air Baggage Allowance Cheat Sheet
Before we dive into the details, here is the essential information you need at a glance.
| Bag Type | Max Dimensions | Max Weight | Cost | Where does it go? |
| Carry-on Bag | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 10 kg | FREE (All passengers) | Under the seat |
| Trolley Bag | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 10 kg | Paid (WIZZ Priority only) | Overhead locker |
| Checked Bag | 149 x 119 x 171 cm | 10, 20, 26, or 32 kg | Paid | Aircraft hold |
Note: Dimensions include wheels and handles. If your bag exceeds these measurements, you will be charged at the gate.
1. The Free Carry-On Allowance
Every single passenger flying with Wizz Air is entitled to one free carry-on bag. However, “carry-on” in this context usually means a backpack or laptop bag, not a small suitcase.
Size and Weight Limits
- Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- Weight: Max 10 kg
- Placement: Must fit under the seat in front of you.
Crucial Details
This policy is strictly enforced. At the departure gate, staff often ask passengers to place their bags in a metal sizer. If your bag has wheels or a stiff handle that sticks out, it might not fit.
If your free bag doesn’t fit the sizer, you will be forced to pay an oversized bag fee at the gate (often around €30–€60 depending on the route), and it may be placed in the hold.
2. WIZZ Priority: Bringing a Trolley Bag
If you want to bring a standard cabin suitcase (the kind with wheels), you must purchase WIZZ Priority. You cannot buy a trolley bag allowance separately; it is bundled with the Priority service.
What You Get with WIZZ Priority
- Free Carry-on Bag: (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
- Extra Trolley Bag: (55 x 40 x 23 cm, max 10 kg)
- Priority Boarding: You board the plane first.
- Priority Check-in: Dedicated desk access.
Is It Worth It?
For most travelers, yes. WIZZ Priority is usually cheaper than checking a 10 kg bag, and it ensures you don’t have to wait at the baggage carousel upon arrival.
Prices for WIZZ Priority are dynamic. They vary based on the season and route, typically ranging between €10 and €60 if purchased online. If you wait to buy this at the airport, it will cost significantly more.
3. Checked Baggage Rules
If you are traveling for a longer period, you will likely need to check a bag. Wizz Air operates on a “weight tier” system, meaning you pay for the specific weight limit you need.
Weight Options
You can purchase up to 6 checked bags per passenger. The available weight tiers are:
- 10 kg: Best for light travelers who want to be hands-free.
- 20 kg: Standard holiday luggage.
- 26 kg: A middle-ground option unique to Wizz Air.
- 32 kg: The maximum weight allowed for any single bag.
Size Limits
Regardless of the weight, the maximum dimensions for any checked bag are 149 x 119 x 171 cm. This is generous enough for almost any standard suitcase.
Dynamic Pricing Warning
Wizz Air does not have a flat fee for checked bags. The price depends on:
- Travel Season: High season (Christmas, Easter, Summer) is more expensive.
- Booking Method: Online is cheapest; call center is pricier; airport is most expensive.
- Weight: Heavier bags cost more.
Expect to pay anywhere from €15 to €120 per bag, per flight. Always book your baggage allowance online before you get to the airport to save up to 50%.
4. Excess and Oversized Baggage Fees
Wizz Air generates significant revenue from fees charged at the airport. Knowing these penalties is the best way to avoid them.
Overweight Bags
If your checked bag weighs more than the allowance you purchased (e.g., your “20 kg” bag actually weighs 22 kg), you will be charged per kilogram.
- Fee: Approx. €13 per extra kg.
- Tip: Weigh your bag at home. If you are close to the limit, wear your heaviest jacket or shoes onto the plane.
Oversized Gate Fee
If you arrive at the gate with a bag that is too big to be a carry-on and you haven’t paid for it:
- Fee: Approx. €65 (varies by currency/route).
- The bag will be placed in the hold.
5. Special Baggage and Family Allowances
There are exceptions to the strict rules, particularly for families and those traveling with unique items.
Traveling with Infants (0-2 years)
- Free Items: You can check a foldable pushchair/stroller or a car seat for free.
- Diaper Bag: Passengers with infants can bring an extra personal item (40 x 30 x 20 cm) on board for baby supplies.
- Note: Infants do not get their own baggage allowance (no trolley or checked bag).
Sports Equipment
You can bring sports gear (skis, snowboards, bicycles, golf bags, diving gear) for an additional fee.
- Fee: Roughly €45–€65 depending on booking method.
- Max Weight: 32 kg.
- Packaging: Bicycles must be in travel cases with wheels removed/handlebars turned.
Musical Instruments
- Small Instruments: (e.g., violins) Can be brought on board instead of a trolley bag if you purchase WIZZ Priority. Dimensions max: 80 x 40 x 23 cm.
- Large Instruments: (e.g., cellos) You must purchase an “extra seat” for the instrument. Enter “EXST” in the first name field when booking.
Pro-Tips to Beat the Fees
1. Soft Bags are Safer
Hard-shell suitcases have fixed dimensions. If a hard case is 1 cm too thick, it won’t fit the sizer. A soft backpack or duffel bag can be squashed to fit, potentially saving you a €60 fine.
2. Measure With Wheels
A common mistake is measuring the “body” of the suitcase but ignoring the wheels and handle. Wizz Air measures the entire unit. Ensure your total dimensions fall within the 55 x 40 x 23 cm limit.
3. Buy “Wizz Go” or “Wizz Plus”
If you know you need a seat selection, a 20 kg bag, and priority boarding, buying them separately adds up.
The “Wizz Go” and “Wizz Plus” bundles often offer these combined services at a significant discount compared to a la carte pricing.
4. The Duty-Free Loophole
Items purchased at the airport after security (duty-free goods) are generally allowed on board in addition to your hand luggage. However, verify this at the gate, as staff can sometimes be strict if you have multiple large shopping bags.
Common Questions
Can I bring a handbag and a backpack on Wizz Air?
No. Unless you have WIZZ Priority, you are strictly limited to one single bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm). If you bring a backpack and a separate handbag, you will be asked to consolidate them or pay a fee.
What happens if my checked bag is 1 kg overweight?
You will likely be charged the excess weight fee (approx. €13/kg) at the check-in desk. It is cheaper to open your bag and wear a few layers of clothes than to pay the fee.
Can I pool baggage allowance with my travel partner?
No. Wizz Air usually does not allow “pooling” weights. If you have a 20 kg allowance and your partner has 20 kg, you cannot bring one 30 kg bag and one 10 kg bag. Each bag must meet its specific purchased limit.
Are laptops included in the size limit?
Yes. Your laptop must fit inside your single free carry-on bag. You cannot carry it separately in your hand or in a sleeve unless you have Priority (which allows a second bag).
Final Thoughts
Always check the official Wizz Air website or app a few days before you fly, as dynamic pricing and rules can shift slightly by route.
Ready to fly? Grab a tape measure, check your bags, and travel smart!
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
