Low-Cost airlines and luggage....
 

We're planning to use both EasyJet and RyanAir when in Europe.

Their checked-in luggage charges can sometimes DOUBLE the cost of the ticket.... Still, I'm having a hard time figuring out their policy regarding HAND BAGS.... In the USA, or on TransAtlantic flights passengers can bring a small suitcase that would fit in the overhead bin, with no problem.... We're planning to do just that, but I don't see what those airline's policy are regarding those bags....

Any help would be appreciated...

I don't know why you are having a hard time finding this information. All I did was google Ryan Air baggage allowance and got this:

http://www.ryanair.com/en/questions/...gage-allowance

I did the same for Easyjet:

http://www.easyjet.com/en/planning/baggage.html

Am I missing something?

Nnnnnnnooo.... I guess the one missing somethings was me.... I was searching for "carry on" and I guess that's too "Americanized" and not enough English....

Thanks so much, Bettyk.

The main things to know about hand luggage on the likes of Easyjet & Ryanair is that when they say

Well that was interesting

...when they say one piece of hand luggage - THEY MEAN IT.

Yes they do! On our recent EasyJet flights they were putting a tag on your one piece of hand luggage and that's all you get. Your handbag would need to fit inside your carry on, you cannot carry it separately.

I flew EasyJet back in November and they were hardcore about weighing my checked bag and observing my carry on. I had a backpack but held it low just in case. ONE bag is right.

Ryan Air was horrible 4 years ago and charged me a fortune because my checked bag was heavier on the way home and they would not let me have 2 carry ons. Horrible!

Why is RyanAir being called horrible for having very clear policies and sticking to them?

They are not the best of the low cost airlines US or Europe. Yes, it did stink having to pay 100 euros as a fine but still not a good experience.

Ouch - 100 euros. That's a good lesson for the rest of to read and follow the rules we agree to when we buy our ticket.

That is the business model of many low cost airlines around the world, as well as Spirit and Allegiant in the US. Keep the prices low and charge you for everything extra, a la carte. If they give away the fees by letting you taking more than your free allowance, their pricing model won't work.

"Why is RyanAir being called horrible for having very clear policies and sticking to them?"

Because they nickle & dime everything - and leave you in the lurch when things go wrong

We gave up the idea, and actually found a very good airfare, using KLM Frankfurt-Nice (connecting in Amsterdam), at $200 RT. It's just better service, more reliable and less tricky. At least that's what we should expect, if all goes well....

I think those charter flights are more geared for the backpack kind of travelers, who's schedule is more flexible. It just wasn't for us.