Although social media can be a treasure trove of great hacks and tips for travel, experts are warning against the dangers of certain trends, saying they could lead to serious legal issues. One of these videos, posted on TikTok by @travelwithjayberg, is captioned ‘Unethical travel hacks’.
In the video, he recommends people who are over the limit for their cabin baggage find a safe place to “hide” their secondary bag, before checking in their other bag. “Whether that’s in plain sight, hidden along with a bunch of other people’s bags or in a cafe, just find somewhere to hide it.”
He then advises going back to pick up the hidden bag, and bringing it on the plane that way.
However, Adam Ewart, travel expert and CEO of luggage shipping company Send My Bag, says this is a terrible idea for a number of reasons.
Adam said: “We all know the frustration of lifting your bag onto the luggage scales, only to find out it’s over the limit and you’ll have to pay extra. But this hack is not just dishonest, it’s dangerous.
“You should never leave your baggage unattended in an airport, full stop. Not only could it be stolen, but unattended bags can trigger major security concerns and even evacuations. The consequences far outweigh the cost of a few kilos over the limit.”
Rather than risking legal consequences or lost luggage, Adam recommends instead people pack smarter to try and stay under the limit.
He said: “If you’re worried about overweight luggage, there are much safer and easier ways to cut down. Start by packing smarter – roll clothes instead of folding, limit shoes, and weigh your bag at home. And if you need more than your airline allows, consider shipping luggage ahead with a dedicated service like Send My Bag. It can be much more cost-effective, especially for students or expats relocating.”