Whether or not you should book a backpack only flight depends on your airline’s luggage policies. More airlines are limiting their airfare base prices to include only one personal item, usually a small backpack or handbag. In many cases, this is due to a desire to keep costs down and increase revenue. This is especially true for budget airlines like Allegiant, Frontier, Swoop, Spirit, Sun Country, and United. Airlines will also have different luggage policies for their economy class, so make sure you know what is and isn’t allowed.
For example, the Irish low-cost airline Ryanair only allows a single piece of hand luggage, which must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. This means your backpack must be able to meet the airline’s size requirement, which is based on the space under the seat of the passenger in front of you and must not exceed 40 x 25 x 20 inches. If you’re flying with a bag that is too large, you will be forced to check it and risk losing your belongings.
By choosing to travel backpack only, you can take advantage of these cheap airfare deals without the extra baggage fees that often come with checking a bag. This also helps you avoid the hassle of having to deal with your checked luggage when exiting a layover city. While packing light takes discipline, the savings and convenience can pay off quickly.