As a sun seeker, I make every effort to get away from the UK as often as possible. However, even package holidays don’t seem to be affordable these days, making budget flights appear to be the most wallet-friendly option.

When done correctly, budget flights with companies like Ryanair, EasyJet, TUI and Jet2 can be incredibly cost-effective, often cheaper than a train ticket from the North West of England. But they also come with additional charges that can quickly add up if you’re not vigilant.

A few years ago, I was unfortunate enough to discover this when I thought I’d struck gold after securing £50 return flights from Liverpool Airport to Barcelona with a carry-on case. Beforehand, I checked the baggage size regulations and packed my belongings confidently, thinking everything was in order – unaware that I’d made a novice mistake.

Although my actual cabin bag met the correct dimensions, what I hadn’t realised was that the wheels and handle were included in these measurements. As a result, I was charged for both outbound and return flights – needless to say, it significantly dented the modest holiday budget I’d set aside.

I was disappointed, but knowing there was nothing I could do about it at the boarding gate, I had no choice but to pay up. Since then, I’ve never repeated the same error, and now I’m extra careful about the bags I bring on board budget airlines, reports Lancs Live.

My preferred cabin case for budget airlines is now Antler’s Icon Stripe Cabin, which has saved me a lot of money on hand luggage fines. I’ve taken it on TUI, Ryanair and Jet2 flights, and have never had an issue. It also fits in plenty of outfits, shoes and accessories – and helps to satisfy my overpacking cravings.

EasyJet’s standard baggage policy states that all passengers are allowed to bring one small under seat bag on board free of charge, says Birmingham Live. There’s no weight limit, but the bag must fit under the seat in front of you and can’t be any bigger than 45x36x20cm, such as this Chelsea Overnight Bag from luxury suitcase brand Antler.

A secondary rule states that this bag measurement must include any wheels and handles. EasyJet uses baggage sizers at its check-in desks and airport gates and passengers may be asked to place their bag inside to prove that it fits.

If the main body of the bag fits but handles, wheels or straps are poking out and cannot be tucked away, passengers may still be charged. EasyJet’s £48 Airport Bag Fee applies to any small hand luggage bag or large hand luggage bag that is found to be over that person’s paid-for allowance.

EasyJet has reminded travellers to double-check their bags or face a hefty fee, saying: “If you think your luggage might be bigger than your allowance, please measure it and don’t forget to include any handles and wheels, and check it against your allowed size here. If it’s too big you can add additional baggage in your account before you check in.”

They have warned passengers that failure to comply could be costly, advising: “If you’re told at the check-in or bag drop desk that your luggage is too big you’ll need to pay a £48 fee. If our ground crew tell you at the gate that your luggage is too big, you’ll have to pay the fee at the gate.”

Upgrading with EasyJet can mean more room for essentials, since their large cabin bag upgrade allows for dimensions of 56x45x25cm the size of Antler’s Clifton Cabin Case, now discounted, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

Similarly, Jet2’s luggage policy permits a standard cabin bag with identical maximum dimensions including handles and wheels. They confirm: “You can take one piece of hand luggage onboard free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and is no larger than 56cmx45cmx25cm including wheels and handles.”

And for bargain hunters, Amazon offers deals on Ryanair-approved bags like the Lossga For Ryanair Cabin Bag 40x20x25, currently on sale, or the capacious Amazon Basics Underseat Travel Suitcase with convenient features and an attractive price cut.