Flying on ultra-low-cost carriers requires precision over assumptions. The entire fare calculation falls apart the moment an unmeasured bag meets an alert gate agent holding a card reader.
Treat the 18 x 14 x 8 inch boundary as a fixed wall rather than a guideline. Measure your packed gear at home with a physical tape measure, pack soft fabrics that yield to pressure, and ensure every accessory fits within a single zippered shell. Taking ten minutes to confirm your bag's dimensions before heading to the airport guarantees that your low-cost ticket stays truly low-cost.