With summer getaways now in full swing, countless Brits are jetting off on their holidays and hunting for clever packing tricks to streamline their travels. Nevertheless, when organising your luggage, there’s one crucial guideline you might wish to observe if you want to avoid potential hold-ups at the terminal.
When travelling overseas, it can prove challenging to determine what to bring along, as most holidaymakers prefer to prepare for every possible weather scenario with their wardrobe selections. However, if you’re the type who enjoys cramming in as much as humanly possible, you might want to reconsider, as your oversized case could potentially cause complications at the airport.
Travel advice vlogger Taylor, recognised as taytrox_travel on TikTok, recently revealed that airports are growing increasingly “strict” regarding the amount of baggage passengers bring aboard. Therefore, if you wish to journey without hassle, you may want to heed some vital packing guidance.
Taylor explained: “If you’re packing a carry on and using that expansion zipper to squeeze in as many outfits as possible, I’m telling you now, do not do it. Airlines have gotten so strict in the last few months, and they are cracking down hard.
“Even if your bag fits in the overhead bin, if it’s just expanded just a tiny bit, they’ll make you check and – no – your first class ticket isn’t going to save you either. It doesn’t matter how much you paid or how early you boarded.”
She continued: “If it’s not zipped to its original size and it’s expanded, you’re not carrying it on. And – here’s the kicker – they’re not even letting you gate check it anymore.
“You’ll be sent all the way back to the desk like it’s a full-time bag and that means more waiting, more stress and more chances your bag gets lost in the chaos. So don’t risk it – repack that carry on and keep that expansion zipper flat and play it safe.
“Trust me. No outfit is worth missing your flight or waiting an hour in baggage claim.”
Whilst Taylor operates from America, British airports enforce equally stringent regulations regarding luggage. The majority of carriers demand your case closes completely and, on certain occasions, oversized luggage can trigger additional charges.
Whilst expandable cases are widespread across Britain, their usage hinges on whether they’re hand luggage or checked baggage alongside the carrier’s particular size and weight limitations. Oversized cases are typically permitted as checked baggage, though this can incur supplementary costs.
At British airports, bulky hand luggage is generally prohibited in the cabin. Airlines maintain particular size and weight restrictions for hand luggage and, should bags surpass these parameters, they’re typically required to be checked into the hold with potential fees.
Several regulations must be observed or passengers risk experiencing airport delays. Following Taylor’s video being circulated, numerous individuals responded.
They each shared their varied travel encounters. One traveller revealed: “We were just on a flight from Vegas to Seattle and they made an announcement that, if they see a zipper expanded, they will make you check it when we were at the gate.”
Another responded: “Good to know – thanks girl.” However, a third passenger shared a contrasting experience, stating: “Just flew this week. Took five different flights. Each had multiple people travelling with expanded bags. No issues.”