Easter 2026 Flights 14% Cheaper, But Baggage Fees Rise
5 min read
Easter 2026 flights are cheaper than last year by 14%, according to t-online. Sounds great on paper. But here's what that headline doesn't tell you: airline baggage fees have been climbing all year, and a single checked bag can cost more than the flight itself.
I've been tracking this for weeks now, and honestly, the math doesn't always work in your favor. A round trip to Bucharest for 111 Euro feels like a steal. Then you add a 20 kg suitcase with Ryanair, and suddenly you're looking at 40 to 120 Euro extra. Just for your clothes.
Short version: Easter 2026 flights are cheaper than 2025, with the best fares on April 1 (11% below average). The cheapest destinations from Germany are Bucharest (111 Euro), Milan (140 Euro), and Budapest (157 Euro). To keep those savings, travel with hand luggage only, and avoid March 28 at all costs.
1
The Good News: Cheapest Dates and Destinations
If you're flexible on dates, there's real money to save. The data from oe24 paints a clear picture.
Best departure day: April 1 sits 11% below the Easter average. Fly out on a Tuesday and you'll pay less than most people who leave on the weekend.
Worst departure day: March 28. That Saturday before Easter carries a 26% surcharge. Everyone and their family tries to leave at the same time. No surprise there.
Cheapest round trips from Germany (per person):
Bucharest: 111 Euro
Milan: 140 Euro
Budapest: 157 Euro
Paris: 188 Euro
These prices are for flights only. No bags.
That last part matters.
2
The Baggage Fee Trap
This is where Easter 2026 flights get tricky. The ticket might be cheap, but airlines make their real money on extras. Airline baggage fees 2026 are up across the board, and IATA expects ancillary revenue to hit 145 billion dollars in 2026, up 5.5% from last year. That's 14% of total airline revenue now. Think about that for a second.
Here's what a 20 kg checked bag costs right now when booked online, based on current Holidaycheck data:
| Airline | Checked Bag (20 kg, online) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 18.99 to 59.99 Euro per leg | Price depends on route and timing |
| Eurowings | from 9 Euro | Dynamic pricing, Basic fare |
| easyJet | 16.90 to 39 Euro per leg | Varies by season |
| Wizz Air | 15 to 120 Euro per flight | Strongly dynamic, can spike fast |
That Wizz Air range is not a typo. I've seen 120 Euro for a single checked bag on peak dates.
And Ryanair enlarged their free underseat bag to 40x30x20 cm on 4 September 2025 (Ryanair Bag Policy). If your bag still doesn't fit, that's an 80 Euro penalty at the gate. No warning, no negotiation.
3
The Courts Are Pushing Back
Here's something most travelers haven't heard about yet. On March 22, 2026, a German court ruled that Vueling's carry-on surcharges violate EU law. The OLG Hamm (a higher regional court) said hand luggage is part of the basic transport contract. Charging extra for it? Illegal.
This builds on what Germany's consumer federation (vzbv) started last year, filing lawsuits against easyJet, Eurowings, and Wizz Air over the same issue. The legal momentum is real. But don't expect airlines to drop their fees voluntarily. These cases will take time.
For now, the fees stand.
4
How to Book Easter 2026 Flights Without Getting Burned
The smartest move for Easter 2026? Travel with hand luggage only. Seriously.
If you can fit everything into a bag that meets your airline's free allowance, you dodge the entire fee structure. A 40x30x20 cm underseat bag with Ryanair. A 45x36x20 cm free under-seat bag with easyJet (as of 2026-07, easyJet cabin bags). Check your airline's specific hand luggage dimensions before you pack.
Some quick tips that probably save you 50 to 100 Euro on a round trip:
Book your flight for April 1 or 2 instead of March 28
Pick Bucharest, Milan, or Budapest for the best deals
If you absolutely need checked baggage, book it online during booking (way cheaper than adding it later)
Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane
Roll your clothes instead of folding. You'll fit more than you think
For a weekend Easter trip, a small backpack is honestly all you need. We've tested several cabin bags that fit Ryanair's strict rules, and some of them hold a surprising amount.
5
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Easter 2026 flights really cheaper than last year?
Yes, Easter 2026 flights are cheaper than last year by around 14% on average, according to t-online data. The cheapest departure day is April 1, sitting 11% below the Easter average. March 28 is the priciest, with a 26% surcharge.
How much does a checked bag cost on Ryanair for Easter 2026?
A 20 kg checked bag with Ryanair costs between 18.99 and 59.99 Euro per leg when booked online. Prices vary by route and booking time. At the gate, fees are much higher. Book baggage during initial booking for the best rates.
Is it legal for airlines to charge for hand luggage?
A German court (OLG Hamm) ruled on March 22, 2026, that Vueling's carry-on surcharges violate EU law. Lawsuits are pending against easyJet, Eurowings, and Wizz Air. But for now, these fees are still being charged by most budget airlines.
What is the cheapest Easter 2026 destination from Germany?
Bucharest at 111 Euro round trip is the cheapest Easter destination from Germany. Milan follows at 140 Euro, Budapest at 157 Euro, and Paris at 188 Euro. These prices are for flights without checked baggage.
*Last updated: March 2026*
Sources
- according to t-online t-online.de
- The data from oe24 oe24.at
- IATA expects ancillary revenue to hit 145 billion dollars in 2026 handelsblatt.com
- based on current Holidaycheck data holidaycheck.ch
- Ryanair Bag Policy help.ryanair.com
- a German court ruled that Vueling's carry-on surcharges violate EU law airliners.de
- easyJet cabin bags easyjet.com
