The Ideal Bag Choice To Help Avoid Outrageous Budget Airline Carry-On Fees

By now, most travelers know that super-cheap airlines like Frontier and Spirit charge for carry-on luggage. These two are among the top budget airlines in the U.S., and they service a vast number of airports across North America. As this pair of competitors has entered the mainstream travel market, customers have become more aware of their aggressive baggage policies. Both Frontier and Spirit describe carry-on bags as an "optional service," charging a price that varies depending on whether you pay while booking or at the airport. And they're not alone: European airline Ryanair has a similar policy, and passengers on low-fare pioneer JetBlue had to pay for this privilege until September 2024, when the policy was finally changed.

Now that we know the fee exists, how do we get around it? What if you're only traveling for a long weekend, and you're packing especially light? Do you really have to spend $39 to $60 for a small roller bag? Won't that defeat the purpose of using a budget airline in the first place, when larger carriers let you bring one aboard for free?

The magic words here are "personal item." On Frontier, this container should measure eight inches by 18 inches by 14 inches. On Spirit, the dimensions are the same. And if you're careful, you can pack just enough into a bag this size. The ideal accoutrement? A backpack.

Bags come in all different styles, but nothing mixes form and function like a backpack. When it comes to "personal items," you're looking for a large school book bag or rugged "daypack" used for hiking — something that's lightweight, easy to carry, and can fit the necessities for a few days on the road. This is especially easy in warm-weather destinations, where light, packable clothing is the norm. But for colder climes, you could fit multiple layers into a backpack and simply wear your bulky coat, hat, and gloves. Packing cubes and compression bags do wonders for organization and space-saving. In the end, all that matters is that you can fit your bag under the seat in front of you.

Backpacks are also helpful when you board and exit the plane. Hard-shell suitcases can be cumbersome and awkward, especially when you're trying to yank them out of the overhead compartment and roll them down the aisle. A fabric backpack is pliable, so it can fit almost anywhere, and you can simply lift it onto your shoulders and see your way out. Because you haven't checked any bags, you can breeze past the luggage carousel without a second thought. In taxis and buses, it's natural to perch the backpack on your lap instead of relying on trunks and racks, which saves time and discourages thieves.

Backpacks aren't perfect, however. Retailers are often nervous around backpacks or even suspicious of their users. Most backpacks aren't waterproof and only a minority come with rain covers. Meanwhile, many of us prefer more than three sets of clothes when we travel, even on short trips. But it's a great option for saving money — and forces budget airlines to earn their title.