Trying to get the most from your luggage allowance is something many of us struggle with when it comes to packing for a trip, especially if you have a tendency to over-pack. Whether you swear by rolling your clothes up instead of folding them, or even keeping your suitcase upright as you pack it instead of laying it out like you might normally, there are plenty of tips and tricks out there that can help you get more from your suitcase.
Sneaking in more than you might be able to carry can be risky, though, and even leave you with a broken suitcase if you try and cram too much in. Leaving bulky items like hairdryers and towels that are often provided by hotels or accommodations at home can help lighten the load, and there are also some unconventional ways of getting more from your belongings. One flight attendant has even advised grabbing a Duty-Free bag for any extra bits, as this doesn’t count towards your baggage allowance.
While you might get away with sneaking a plastic bag from Duty-Free onto your flight, there’s one slightly unconventional and sneaky packing method that will likely land you in trouble.
Keeping up with the luggage allowance for each airline can be confusing, and if you’re not sure, it’s best to check. While you’re unlikely to get in trouble for wearing an extra layer or two, instead of packing it, there’s one thing guaranteed to get you in trouble.
Many of us often bring a neck pillow to stay comfortable on a flight, especially if it’s long-haul, but some TikTok users have suggested bringing a pillowcase and filling this with clothes to mimic a pillow.
TikTok is a great place to get travel advice, especially when it comes to packing, but this one packing hack shared on the app could even see you denied boarding.
The ‘pillow hack’ went viral last year, involving passengers filling an empty pillowcase or even a neck pillow with extra clothes to avoid paying for more luggage, and while it’s successful for some, it’s majorly backfired for others.
One user who tried out the sneaky packing method was eventually refused boarding after arguing with airport staff. TikToker @natashaorganic was caught with a pillowcase of clothes at Orlando International Airport and was eventually escorted by airport security after refusing to pay for extra luggage.
It might seem like the cheaper option, but it could end up costing you, especially with airline luggage policies constantly changing and getting stricter. You don’t want to risk having to chuck clothes out at the gate after your pillow is discovered with clothes.