One of the easiest ways to cut costs while travelling is by ditching checked baggage and sticking to carry-on luggage only. According to Skyscanner, checked baggage can cost up to £101 per bag on flights from the UK, depending on the airline, making your flight much more expensive.
Paul Stewart, Managing Director of My Baggage said: “Flying with just carry-on luggage is a great way of saving money while travelling, and it is easier than you think. Especially with budget airlines, size allowances for carry-on luggage can be very small, which is why it’s important to get creative when packing.
“Sticking to a carry-on not only saves you money, but also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim and eliminates the risk of lost luggage. By following these tips, you can make the most out of your carry-on allowance, keeping costs down without packing anything less than you need.”
Luggage shipping experts at My Baggage have revealed their top five tips for making the most of your carry-on space, to ensure you have everything you need without the extra baggage fees.
1. Ask for a duty-free bag
Most airlines allow you to bring a duty-free bag on the flight alongside your carry-on for no extra charge, a fact that most people don’t take full advantage of. If you find yourself with a few extra items that won’t fit in your carry-on, ask for a carrier bag in one of the duty-free shops after going through security and place your extra items inside. This will allow you to take them on your flight without having to pay extra.
While it is essential to double-check the policies of your airline, this trick could save you paying extra baggage fees even if your luggage doesn’t quite fit in your carry-on.
2. Bring a pillow
Most airlines allow passengers to carry neck cushions alongside their carry-on luggage at no extra cost. To make the most of this, you can remove the cushion from its cover and fill it with things like bikinis, rolled-up t-shirts, and other small items to free up extra space in your carry-on bag.
This trick allows you to bring more luggage at no extra cost, however, it is important to check the rules on bringing cushions with your airline first to avoid unexpected fees. Most airlines, including Wizz Air, Jet2 and EasyJet allow it, while it isn’t officially allowed with Ryanair.
3. Choose your airport outfit wisely
Another simple trick is wearing your bulkiest items on the flight, whether that’s a coat, boots, headphones, or any other larger items. If you’re desperate, wearing multiple layers can also allow you to bring more clothes with you, as airlines don’t charge for anything you are wearing.
Although this isn’t the most comfortable way to travel, it works well in a pinch when you can’t quite fit everything in your carry-on, and you can always remove some layers once you are seated on the plane.
4. Don’t pack toiletries
Things like shampoo and deodorant can take up a lot of space in a carry-on bag, and there are also limitations on how much you can take through security.
Instead of packing them, consider buying your toiletries at the airport after getting through security. This way, you can take them on the flight in a duty-free bag.
Alternatively, it may be cheaper to buy toiletries when you arrive at your destination, depending on where you are going. These prices can be checked online before you travel.
5. Pack efficiently
The key to travelling with just a carry-on is learning to pack smart. Create a list of essentials to avoid packing unnecessary items.
You can make extra space inside your bag by using things like vacuum roll bags. These bags allow you to remove excess air by simply rolling them, significantly reducing the amount of space your clothes take up.
It is also important to consider the carry-on size limit for the specific airline you are travelling with. By taking the maximum size allowed, you can make the most of your carry-on allowance. Ryanair allows a cabin bag of up to 40x20x25cm, similar to Wizz Air’s allowance of 40x20x30cm, while EasyJet allows 45x36x20cm and Jet2 allows 56x45x25cm.