Baggage 2026: Ryanair, Wizz Air and Smartwings from Bratislava - dimensions, rules and fees

Planning a flight from Bratislava and not sure what baggage limits apply? Airlines' baggage policies are constantly changing and each company has different rules. In this guide, we'll show you exactly what you can take for free and what you'll pay for with Ryanair, Wizz Air and Smartwings - the three main airlines from M. R. Štefánik Airport in Bratislava.

Why is it important to know baggage rules?

Every year, thousands of travelers pay unnecessary fees at check-in. They didn't know that personal items have a limit of 40x20x25 cm and not 55x40x20 cm. They forgot that without Priority they can't have a large suitcase in the cabin. They exceeded the weight by 1 kg and paid a €50 fee at the airport. With this guide, this won't happen to you.

Ryanair - baggage policy 2026

Ryanair is the largest low-cost airline flying from Bratislava. Their baggage policy is the strictest, but if you know it, you can work with it.

What's free with Ryanair?

Each passenger is entitled to one small personal bag with maximum dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm. This bag must be placed under the seat in front of you. Typically, this is a small backpack, handbag or laptop bag.

Large carry-on baggage (Priority)

If you purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags (approximately €6 to €14 depending on route and time of purchase), you can have an additional carry-on suitcase with dimensions 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weight up to 10 kg. This suitcase goes in the overhead compartment.

Warning - if you don't buy Priority and arrive with a large suitcase, they'll charge you an airport fee at the gate, which is significantly higher than the Priority price (up to €50).

Checked baggage

Checked baggage with Ryanair costs from €13 to €40 one way depending on route, season and time of purchase. The weight limit is 20 kg. For excess weight, you'll pay €11 for every 3 kg extra (online) or significantly more at the airport.

Tip: always buy checked baggage when booking your ticket - it's the cheapest. The closer to departure, the higher the price.

Wizz Air - baggage policy 2026

Wizz Air has a very similar system to Ryanair, with minor differences.

What's free with Wizz Air?

One small personal bag with dimensions 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Compared to Ryanair, the allowed depth is 10 cm larger, which in practice means a somewhat larger backpack will fit.

Wizz Priority

With Wizz Priority (approximately €5 to €25 depending on route) you get a carry-on suitcase for the cabin - maximum dimensions 55 x 40 x 23 cm and weight up to 10 kg.

Wizz Air checked baggage

Weight limit is 10, 20, 26 or 32 kg depending on the chosen class. The price ranges from €12 to €55 one way. Here too, the earlier you buy, the cheaper it is.

Smartwings - baggage policy 2026

Smartwings are traditional charter airlines that offer a more generous baggage policy.

Low Fare tariff

One carry-on baggage 55 x 40 x 23 cm up to 8 kg for free. Checked baggage is not included - can be purchased from €15.

Plus Fare tariff

Carry-on baggage the same, plus 23 kg checked baggage included in the price. This is the best choice for travelers who need a large suitcase.

Flexi tariff

Everything as in Plus, plus flexible cancellation and flight changes.

Clear comparison table

How to save on baggage - 5 practical tips

The first tip is to weigh your baggage at home. Buy a luggage scale for €5 to €10 - it will save you tens of euros in excess weight penalties. Weigh your suitcase just before leaving, not a day in advance (things tend to accumulate at the last minute).

Second tip - buy baggage when booking your ticket. It's always the cheapest price. Purchasing at the airport is the most expensive option.

Third tip - roll clothes, don't fold them. Rolled clothes take up 30% less space in the suitcase and wrinkle less.

Fourth tip - wear your heaviest items. Winter jacket, heavy shoes, thick sweater - wear these for travel, don't stuff them in the suitcase. Clothes you're wearing don't count toward weight.

Fifth tip - use your car as "extended baggage". If you're traveling by car and parking at TUKAN Parking, you can leave things in your car that you don't need on vacation - winter jacket in summer, extra shoes, things bought before departure. After returning, you simply pick them up from your car. This is an advantage you don't have with any other form of airport transportation.

What if I discover excess weight at the airport?

If you discover at the airport that your suitcase exceeds the limit, you have several options. First try to transfer heavier items to your carry-on bag (if it's not already at the limit). Put on heavier pieces of clothing. If traveling with others, distribute weight among multiple bags.

If none of this helps, pay the excess weight fee online (through the airline's app) - it's still cheaper than the counter fee.

Frequently asked questions

Is baggage measured strictly at Bratislava airport?

Ryanair and Wizz Air check dimensions quite thoroughly, especially small personal bags. If your bag sticks out of the measuring frame, you'll have to pay extra. For checked baggage, weight is always checked.

Can I have a duty-free bag in addition to carry-on baggage?

Yes. Purchases from duty-free shops beyond security control are allowed in addition to your regular baggage allowance.

What about strollers and car seats?

Strollers and child car seats fly for free and don't count toward your baggage allowance. You can use the stroller right up to the aircraft door.

What if I have a musical instrument?

Smaller instruments (violin, guitar) can go as carry-on baggage if they meet size requirements. Larger instruments require purchasing an extra seat or go as special baggage.

Conclusion

Baggage rules for flights from Bratislava vary by airline, but the main rules are simple. Weigh baggage at home, buy extra baggage when booking and don't get surprised at the airport. And if you're traveling by car, don't forget to use your car as temporary storage - at TUKAN Parking your car is safe and you can retrieve everything from it upon return.