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The Airlines That Still Include a Free Checked Bag, and How to Manage with a Carry-On Only
October 23, 2026
Full-service airlines such as El Al (on Classic fares and up), Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and Emirates still include a free checked suitcase (up to 23 kg) in the basic ticket price. On low-cost airlines, by contrast, you will have to pay for baggage, but good planning and smart packing in a standard 20 inch trolley will save you a lot of money on every flight.
The fine print of the skies: who still gives you a free suitcase?
A recent report on Walla Travel only confirms what every traveler has felt in their pocket in recent years: the era of "all-inclusive" airfares is disappearing. Low-cost airlines (such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet) have completely changed the economic rules of the aviation industry. They pushed the traditional airlines (legacy carriers) to offer cheaper fares without baggage, known as "Lite" or "Basic" fares. Today, if you want to fly with a big 23 kg suitcase in the hold, you need to pay close attention to the type of ticket you buy already at the booking stage.
Still, there are a few airlines that understand a suitcase is an inseparable part of the travel experience and keep the good old standard. Airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and some European airlines on long-haul (transatlantic) flights still include a 23 kg suitcase (and sometimes more) in the price of their most basic fare. El Al, for example, offers the Classic fare, which includes a suitcase in the price, while the cheaper Lite fare is meant for those traveling with carry-on only.
Understanding each airline's policy is the first step to saving on flight costs. Before you are tempted to buy the cheapest ticket on the search engines, factor in the cost of adding a suitcase. Many times you will find that buying a ticket from a full-service airline that includes a free suitcase is better value than buying a low-cost ticket and adding baggage separately.
Comparison table: common baggage policies at popular airlines
To bring some order to the mess, we have gathered the basic baggage policies of leading airlines. Note that the data refers to the most basic fare in each category:
| Airline | Backpack / personal item (under the seat) | Trolley (overhead bin) | Large suitcase (hold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Al (Classic) | Included (up to 8 kg) | Included (up to 8 kg) | Included (up to 23 kg) |
| El Al (Lite) | Included (up to 8 kg) | Included (up to 8 kg) | Extra fee |
| Wizz Air | Included (40x30x20 cm) | Paid (or with Priority) | Extra fee only |
| Ryanair | Included (40x25x20 cm) | Paid (or with Priority) | Extra fee only |
| Turkish Airlines | Included (personal item) | Included (up to 8 kg) | Included (23 to 30 kg) |
The art of packing a trolley: how to squeeze a whole week into 20 inches
If you decided to fly low-cost or bought a basic fare without a big suitcase, don't despair. Packing a carry-on properly is a skill you can easily learn. At Camel Mountain, with more than 50 years of family experience accompanying travelers around the world (since 1975), we have gathered our five golden tips for smart, efficient packing:
- The rolling method: instead of folding clothes flat the traditional way, roll them into tight rolls. This method not only saves up to 30% of the free space in the suitcase, it also prevents heavy wrinkles and lets you see all the items at a glance.
- Using packing cubes: this is the accessory that changes the game for every experienced traveler. Packing cubes let you divide your gear by category (tops, bottoms, electronics and dirty laundry) and squeeze the air out. They keep perfect order inside the suitcase and make the airport security check much easier.
- The 3-1-1 rule for liquids: remember that in a carry-on you may only bring liquids in bottles of up to 100 ml each, organized in one clear toiletry bag of up to one liter. Always prefer solid shampoo or solid soap, and buy large, heavy toiletries only after landing at your destination.
- Use dead space: don't leave empty gaps inside the suitcase. Put socks, chargers, cables or other small items inside the shoes you packed. Every free inch inside the trolley is critical.
- Wear the heaviest items: the big coat, the thick jeans, the boots or heavy walking shoes should be on you during the flight, not in the bag. That saves precious weight and volume inside the trolley.
How to choose the perfect carry-on bag
To avoid heavy and embarrassing gate fees, you must make sure your bag fits the definitions of the airline you are flying with exactly. Low-cost airlines have become very strict in recent years, and they physically measure bags in the metal sizers placed at the gates.
The difference between a "personal item" (which goes under the seat in front of you) and a "trolley" (which goes in the overhead bin) is critical. A dedicated backpack in exact dimensions of 40x25x20 cm (suitable for Ryanair, for example) can save you from having to pay for a trolley, while offering a surprising inner volume of about 20 liters thanks to smart compartment design and an inner organizer. If you choose to fly with a 20 inch hard-shell trolley, make sure it is made of especially light but durable materials (such as polycarbonate or aircraft-grade aluminum), so you don't waste precious weight from your allowance on the suitcase shell itself.
In the end, smart travel starts with the right gear. Whether you fly with a full-service airline that treats you to a full suitcase or challenge yourself on a quick low-cost flight with a backpack only, choosing the right packing tools will give you peace of mind and a pleasant, worry-free flight.
Based on a report: The airlines that still let you check a suitcase for free, Walla Travel
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Frequently asked questions
Do low-cost airlines really measure bags at the gate?
Yes, definitely. Airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet are very strict about bag dimensions, especially on full flights where overhead bin space is limited. If your bag doesn't fit the sizer, you will have to pay a high fee at the gate that can reach tens of euros.
What is better for short flights: a hard-shell trolley or an expandable backpack?
For short weekend trips of 2 to 3 days, a dedicated backpack in "personal item" dimensions is the most economical solution, since it is free on most airlines. For longer trips of 4 to 7 days, a 20 inch hard-shell trolley together with a small backpack gives you the perfect combination of volume and comfort.
How can you stop clothes from wrinkling inside the trolley?
The rolling method is the best way to prevent wrinkles. In addition, packing cubes stop clothes from moving and rubbing against each other during the bumps of the flight and the trip, keeping them neat and smooth for longer.
What is the maximum weight allowed for a trolley on most airlines?
On most full-service and low-cost airlines, the weight allowed for a trolley (carry-on) ranges from 8 to 10 kg. Check your specific fare conditions before arriving at the airport, since going over the weight may lead to an extra charge or to the bag being sent to the hold for a fee.
