Revealed: Six hand luggage travel “hacks” that could cost you MORE at the airport
Revealed: Six hand luggage travel “hacks” that could cost you MORE at the airport
From viral 'pillowcase' tricks to last-minute boarding strategies, experts warn against the packing hacks that could backfire
Packing light for a holiday can mean cheaper travel – but some social media packing hacks could actually end up costing you more at the gate.
Airlines around the world make over £26 BILLION a year from baggage fees alone, and a growing chunk of that is coming from passengers stung by hand luggage charges. With more travellers choosing to cut costs by having hand luggage only, and budget airlines stricter than ever when it comes to carry-on rules, it's never been more important to pack smart.
As peak travel season approaches, travel experts at eShores are sharing which viral hacks could leave you out of pocket at the boarding gate.
Expert warnings: What not to do when packing for budget flights
1. The pillowcase hack will get you caught
This viral trend saw travellers stuffing clothing into pillowcases to sneak them on as "travel pillows", but airport staff caught on fast. Passengers attempting to smuggle extra belongings in pillowcases are likely to be charged for additional luggage when spotted – which happens most of the time.
2. Don't push your luck with your 'personal item'
Thinking of trying to pass off a tote bag or small backpack as a personal item alongside your carry-on? Not so fast! This tactic is increasingly flagged by airlines, who are particularly vigilant about personal item dimensions and usually use size gauges at gates.
Some budget airlines only include an under-seat bag in their standard fare, meaning passengers could be flagged and charged for having both a cabin bag and personal bag. While you could try your luck and get away with a carry-on bag and a small handbag, there are no guarantees. Always check what's included in your fare before packing and ensure everything would fit in your main carry-on if needs be.
3. The duty-free loophole attempt can backfire
Some travellers try to put additional clothes in airport shopping bags to make them look like duty-free purchases. Staff are well-trained to spot this, particularly at UK airports where budget airlines operate. While most airlines do allow a duty-free bag in addition to standard hand luggage, always double-check and keep shopping bags for airport shopping only.
4. Don't rely on the "last-minute boarding" trick
Waiting until the final boarding call in the hope staff won't check bag dimensions? It's a gamble that often backfires. In fact, gate staff often check last-minute boarders even more thoroughly, potentially causing embarrassment, delays, and charges if your hand luggage exceeds the allowance.
5. Wearing multiple layers could be dangerous
We've all seen the passenger layering up clothing to avoid excess baggage, but some take it to extremes. It can look suspicious, slow down security, and even be flagged by gate staff if it's clear you're trying to dodge luggage rules. There have been cases of people being refused boarding when it's too obvious or becoming unwell due to heat. It's not worth risking your health – dress for comfort when flying.
6. Don't assume a "cabin sized" bag fits all airlines
A bag labelled "cabin approved" in the shop might not be approved for your specific airline. Some UK budget airlines are several centimetres stricter than others, and a bag that fits on one airline could be rejected on another. Always check your specific airline's exact measurements before travelling and measure your bag at home, including wheels and handles. Those few centimetres could end up costing you at the gate.
Gavin Lapidus, founder of eShores, comments:
"Budget airlines are usually priced lower specifically because of their luggage limitations. If you're caught trying to circumvent these restrictions, you'll almost certainly end up paying more than if you'd simply booked the appropriate luggage allowance from the start.
"These viral packing 'hacks' that seem too good to be true often are exactly that. When passengers attempt to get around luggage limits, there's a high chance they'll pay the price for it – often at the worst possible moment at the boarding gate. Our advice is simple: pack smartly, stick to essentials, and keep everything above board. It's the most stress-free way to travel and often the most economical in the long run."
