Wizz Air shrinks free baggage allowance

It's the second change to Wizz Air baggage policy in a matter of months, after the airline cut its hand luggage allowance in June. 

At the moment, non-priority passengers are allowed to bring bags which are smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm into the cabin. Bags which are larger than this, but smaller than 55cm x 40cm x 23cm, are put in the hold free of charge – but after 1 November you will have to pay for this. 

The changes mirror those set to be introduced by Ryanair, although the exact prices and dimensions allowed are different. 

Both airlines will bring in the new rules from Thursday 1 November. 

See our guide for ways to cut costs.  

What are the new rules?

From 1 November, the rules are:  

• Passengers who haven't paid for Wizz Priority are allowed one piece of hand luggage, which must be smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. Any bag larger than this must be put in the hold for a fee – if the bag weighs less than 10kg, it'll cost at least €7 (£6), this could be more depending on if it's peak season. 

• Passengers who have paid for Wizz Priority are allowed to bring a small wheelie suitcase (which must weigh less than 10kg and be smaller than 55cm x 40cm x 23cm) on board, as well as a smaller piece of hand luggage of up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.

  Wizz Priority costs between €5 and €15 (£4-£13) if you add it to your booking online or over the phone, or €25 (£22) at the airport.

I've already booked – do the changes apply to me?

If you made a booking before 10 October to travel after the new rules come in on 1 November, you'll be given a 10kg checked bag for free. If your booking included a checked bag, you'll be upgraded to Wizz Priority for free – this includes a 10kg bag (which can be taken into the cabin), as well as priority check-in and boarding. 

If you booked after 10 October and your flight is after 1 November, you'll need to pay if you want to bring a 10kg checked bag.

What does Wizz Air say?

Wizz Air chief marketing officer Johan Eidhagen said: "Passengers want unbundled products and that is at the heart of the ultra low cost model. We want to offer our customers the lowest possible fares as well as a transparent view into ticket pricing.

"By unbundling products and services, Wizz Air democratises the way of travelling and allows for a pay-per-need offer."