Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, Volotea — the headline fare is 19.99 euro, but the final price at checkout is often 80+ euro. The low-cost model is not a scam; it is an unbundled menu where every add-on has a price. Here is the cost map and the counter-strategies that keep the total low.
The hidden cost menu (per passenger, one way, typical)
| Add-on | Ryanair | Wizz Air | easyJet | Volotea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag (10 kg, overhead) | €15–35 | €15–30 | €15–25 (Flexi) | €15–25 |
| Checked bag (20 kg) | €25–45 | €20–40 | €25–35 | €25–40 |
| Seat selection (standard) | €4–12 | €3–10 | €3–15 | €4–12 |
| Seat selection (extra legroom) | €15–25 | €12–20 | €15–30 | €15–25 |
| Priority boarding | €6–10 | €5–8 | Incl. Flexi | €5–8 |
| Airport check-in (forgot to online) | €55 | €30 | €45 | €35 |
| Print boarding pass at airport | €20 | €15 | €15 | €10 |
| Name change (typo) | €45–115 | €45 | €50 | €50 |
| Water / snack on board | €3–5 | €3–5 | €3–5 | €3–5 |
The counter-strategy checklist
- Travel light (under-seat bag only): 40x30x20 cm fits free on all four. Pack 5 outfits, wear boots/jacket. Saves €15–35 each way.
- Check in online + mobile boarding pass: mandatory. Screenshot backup. Saves €20–55.
- Don’t select seats: auto-assign at check-in (24–48h before) usually keeps groups together. Saves €4–30.
- Bring empty water bottle + snacks: fill post-security. Saves €6–10.
- Book direct on airline website/app: third-party sites (Kiwi, eDreams, Gotogate) add “service fees” €10–20 and complicate changes.
- Use airline app for check-in: push notification at 24h mark = best seat auto-assign.
- Pay in local currency: airline dynamic currency conversion adds 3–5%.
The “fare bundle” math
Sometimes “Flexi” / “Wizz Flex” / “Plus” bundles (carry-on + seat + changes) are cheaper than adding à la carte. Compare at booking: if you need carry-on + seat selection, the bundle often saves €10–20.
The volatility rule
- Book 3–6 weeks out for leisure (sweet spot).
- Tuesday/Wednesday departure = 15–25% cheaper than Friday/Sunday.
- Early morning / late night = cheaper + fewer delays.
One-line verdict
Under-seat bag only, online check-in + mobile pass, no seat selection, bring water/snacks, book direct on airline app, Tuesday/Wednesday 3–6 weeks out — the protocol that keeps the €19.99 fare at €19.99.