Travel expert reveals seven top tips when flying with overhead baggage
It’s a Mexican fight with the airline flight attendant and you blink first. Now the overhead bag you hoped would go unnoticed is headed straight for the baggage tester.
Your heart sinks as the inflated case rests on the sturdy metal rungs. He doesn’t even try to penetrate it. As the steward pulls out a strip of stickers, you know it’s game over.
There’s nothing worse than ruining your fast-paced city break with unnecessary queues to pick up your luggage. But careful planning and all this could have been avoided.
With the summer holidays just around the corner, travel experts have revealed their tips for saving luggage space and avoiding having to put your luggage in the hold.
With the baggage tax, holidaymakers may notice that they can only bring a backpack on the flight – unless they want to pay more for their checked baggage (File image)
The most depressing part of any vacation… the relentless waiting in the baggage carousel
Many low cost airlines now offer cheap flights, but on the basis that you either add the cost of luggage later or bring a backpack.
A rural one Research showed that a third of Britons have had to pay excess baggage surcharges when at the airport, amounting to more than £490 million in 2022 alone.
Every airline is different, but at UK airports charges can range from £11 per kg of overweight checked baggage to an eye-watering £65 for overweight checked baggage.
As the holidays approach, travel experts join Panache Cruises shared their best tips for avoiding paying the dreaded overweight baggage fee.
Here are seven ways vacationers can avoid excess baggage charges…
1. Use duty-free bags
After a small purchase in one of the shops at the airport, you can take the Duty Free bags on your flight without them being counted as extra baggage (File image)
Duty-free bags do not count as hand luggage, so if a passenger buys something at the airport, they can use the bag.
And you should also look into buying toiletries at the airport, after check-in and security to clear your weight allowance for other items.
This is also a great method to get more liquids on board.
2. Pillow it up
This tip went viral last year and is pure genius. All you need to do is empty a pillowcase or one of those flight pillows and cram it into your stuff (File Image)
This hack is pure genius, because clothes – even rolled up – take up so much space.
And if you really don’t want to leave that hat and swimsuit behind, this simple trick will help you avoid cramming your bags while still having plenty of summer outfits to choose from.
All you need to do is empty a pillowcase or one of those flight pillows and cram your stuff in, making sure to empty the pillow afterward.
And this tip went viral last year after a student posted a video showing how to avoid paying for extra baggage by packing extra clothes in an empty pillowcase on a flight.
3. Travel in the heaviest clothing
This could be the oldest trick in the book. But just because it’s an oldie doesn’t mean it isn’t gold.
For this hack, vacationers only need to wear their bulkiest items like hoodies and shoes.
This creates more space in your suitcase – and keeps you warm during the flight.
Travelers should use the pockets of their bulky clothes to hold more stuff if they are still concerned about the weight of the suitcase.
4. Layer up
While sometimes impractical, layering is a great way to free up luggage space. Under a coat, no one will know you’re wearing two more sweaters, a bikini, and five tops (File image)
While sometimes impractical, especially in warm weather, layering is a great way to free up luggage space. Under a jacket, no one will notice that you are wearing two more sweaters, a bikini and five tops.
Once travelers get on board, they can undress in their original outfit, because technically no one is allowed to say anything.
While this strategy may lead to vacationers carrying bundles of clothing in-flight, it’s definitely an option if they’re desperate to travel on the cheap.
5. Invest in a travel vest
This may be a better solution than sweating during the flight.
Portable luggage, which offers a variety of pockets to fit small items, would be a great investment for frequent flyers who don’t want to pay extra for luggage.
They are an incredibly functional item to have, often lightweight, that travelers can use to safely store their valuables and gadgets.
6. Save space for souvenirs
Buying a souvenir from the destination you just left is a must. But it also means carrying extra weight in your luggage when you return (File image)
Bringing home a memento from different parts of the world is a big part of many people’s travel experiences.
That’s why it’s important to plan ahead for the extra additions you can add to your luggage towards the end of your trip or risk a hefty load on your way home.
If you’re looking for something generic, like a small magnet, a chocolate, or a bottle of something else, you can even buy it at the airport and use the duty-free bag to save space.
7. Invest in the best travel bag
Airlines can be very strict about the size and weight of hand luggage and suitcases.
That’s why it’s important to shop around for the best luggage.
Investing in a lightweight bag can help travelers pack heavier items.
But always make sure your new bag fits the specific dimensions of each airline’s policy.