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Airlines seem to be getting more and more stringent with their luggage policies, and for families looking to stretch their budgets, these additional costs can put a damper on the holiday spirit. Yet, with a little creativity and some clever travel hacks, you can avoid baggage fees and save that extra cash for more memorable holiday experiences.
You might have seen those viral videos where a traveller snaps their skateboard in half to bypass the size check, or the humorous man donning a backpack under their jacket, pretending to have a hunchback to bypass detection. While these extreme travel hacks are entertaining, we certainly wouldn’t go to such lengths.
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In this post, we’re spilling the beans on the top travel hacks that’ll help you beat the airline baggage allowance and avoid paying extra baggage fees by using every nook and cranny to your advantage. They are practical, straightforward, and can make a significant difference to your travel budget, giving you more to spend on those memorable holiday experiences.
So whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long-haul holiday abroad, let’s explore these ingenious travel hacks that’ll help you avoid paying extra baggage fees and make your family’s travel experience smoother and a bit more frugal.
Table of Contents
1. Use Squashable Soft Bags to Avoid Baggage Fees
Opt for a soft, pliable bag like these, that can be easily squished or compressed to fit within the airline’s size restrictions. Soft bags have the advantage of being more forgiving when it comes to dimensions.
Take advantage of the bag’s flexibility by adjusting its contents after passing the check-in counter to ensure a snug fit in the overhead compartments while remaining within the allowed size limits. Unlike some of the embarrassing travel hacks, this little change is an elegant solution to avoid baggage fees.
2. Layer Up, Then Layer Some More
Emulate the ingenious viral sensation who mastered the art of layering multiple clothing items. Get creative by adding ‘clothes padding’ to your bra, hello cup G!
Then, throw on your bulkiest and heaviest jacket and pack the lighter ones to avoid baggage fees.
Keep these layers on until you’ve boarded the plane. Once comfortably seated, remove the extra layers and store them in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
3. Travelling with a Stroller?
If you’re travelling with young children and have a stroller, use the stroller’s under-basket as a clever storage space.
Bring along a lightweight, foldable travel bag like these in your carry-on.
Before boarding, place loose items like jackets, shoes, snacks or small bags in the stroller basket.
After passing through the gate, transfer all the items from the stroller basket into this bag before collapsing the stroller for gate-checking.
Essentially, this is similar to wearing all your loose clothing and items on your body, but with the added convenience of having your hands free for the kids.
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4. Get A Pocketed Travel Vest
Wear a travel vest with multiple deep pockets like these ones and distribute your heavier items, such as electronics, books, or travel accessories, across the jacket’s pockets.
If you want to go one step further, throw a jacket over the vest to look effortlessly stylish while avoiding extra baggage fees.
5. Travel Pillow Hack
Invest in a travel pillow with a removable cover and unlock its hidden storage potential to avoid baggage fees.
Utilise the interior space of the travel pillow to stash lightweight clothing items, like t-shirts or underwear. This clever dual-purpose use not only saves space but also ensures you have a comfy travel pillow for those much-needed in-flight naps.
Bonus: Bring Insulated Flasks
For those flying budget airlines that charge extras for water, this hack is golden. Bring insulated water bottles with you. Most airlines that serve hot beverages will provide hot water for free, which means you can make your own tea, instant coffee, or soup mid-flight.
Be sure the bottle is well-sealed and insulated to prevent any accidents on the plane.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, these ingenious travel hacks are your ticket to outsmarting airline restrictions and making the most of your luggage space to avoid baggage fees. From flexible bags and stroller storage secrets to clever clothing strategies and innovative storage solutions, these tips will help you travel efficiently and comfortably.
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Remember to travel responsibly and within the airline’s safety guidelines while putting these tips to good use. With these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll not only stretch your budget further but also enjoy a hassle-free and budget-friendly travel experience, leaving you with more funds to create cherished memories during your adventures.
Happy travels!
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