Here are Panache Cruises’ top tips to help savvy holiday-goers avoid the extra baggage fees:

1.   The pillow trick

This hack involves bringing a pillowcase full of clothes to disguise as a comfy pillow on the aircraft. Many travelers have said they have successfully used this trick to avoid fees for overweight baggage. A former flight attendant’s viral TikTok makes this hack famous, and there is now concern that airlines could stop letting people bring on their pillows as more customers brag online about beating the system.

2.   Utilise duty-free bags

Duty-free bags don’t count as carry-on baggage, so if passengers buy something in a duty-free shop, they can use the bag they provide to add in their extra heavier items. This hack is great for people who want to bring an additional item on board without breaking the strict one-small-bag rule. Simply wear layers through security and then place them in a duty-free bag afterward.

3.   Travel in the heaviest clothing

Perhaps one of the oldest tricks in the book, wearing the heaviest clothes while traveling is a great way to keep to weight restrictions. Holidaymakers who wear their bulkiest items, like hoodies, coats, and heaviest shoes, will make more room in their case and keep extra warm on the plane. Travelers should use the pockets of their bulky clothing to stash more items if they are still concerned about the weight of the case. 

4. Invest in a Travel Vest

Wearable luggage, which offers a multitude of pockets to cram in small items, would be a great investment for frequent flyers who don’t want to pay extra for baggage. They are an incredibly functional items, often lightweight, that travelers can use to store their valuables and gadgets safely. 

5.   Layer up

Although sometimes impractical, layering up is a great way to free up baggage space. Under a coat, no one will ever know there are eight bikinis, five tops, and a hoodie. As soon as travelers get on board, they can strip down to their original outfits because, technically, no one can say anything. While this strategy can involve holiday-goers wearing an entire wardrobe on the flight, if desperate to travel cheaply, this is definitely an option.

6.   Invest in the best travel bag

Airlines can be very strict about the size and weight of hand luggage and suitcases. For this reason, investing in a lightweight bag makes sense so that travelers can pack in heavier items. There are also many viral hand luggage bags that have been made popular by social media.  Available to buy online, these fit the specific measurements of each airline’s policy.

7.   Scrap the toiletries

Toiletries are very heavy, so to avoid excess baggage charges, it is a good idea to buy them all on arrival at the destination. Whatever they can buy at home, travelers should be able to buy abroad. They should be a little cheaper, too, with any luck. The reduced weight also has an environmental benefit when flying too.  

8.   Save space for souvenirs

Bringing home a memento from various parts of the world is a big part of many people’s travel experiences. Planning for the extra additions to luggage for the trip home is an integral part of the packing process, or holiday-goers risk a hefty charge on the way home.

9. Shop around

If wanting to bring extra luggage for a longer trip, holidaymakers should shop around and weigh up the baggage options of various airlines. Certain airlines offer heavier check-in bags with standard fares. Most will offer a range of weight options, generally between 10kg and 30kg so travelers should consider the allowance and cost together to give them a per-kilo rate and get the best possible deal. 

Travelers wanting to holiday without being restricted or charged for their baggage should consider a cruise on luxury cruise lines such as Seabourn Cruises and Explora Journeys. Visit https://www.panachecruises.com/ for more information.