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5 luggage hacks airlines don’t want you to know to save money on your next flight

If you do your research and book in advance, you can snap up some great deals on flights – but it’s the luggage that gets you.

Baggage costs are getting extortionate and you’re sometimes paying more than the flight itself just to bring a suitcase on board.

Overhead locker on airplane,Passenger put cabin bag cabin on the top shelf. Travel concept
Overhead locker on airplane,Passenger put cabin bag cabin on the top shelf. Credit: Jackyenjoyphotography (Getty Images)

5 money-saving luggage hacks

However, luggage experts at My Baggage have shared five tips to avoid those extra baggage fees and save money on your next flight.

1. Put extra luggage in a duty free bag

Most airlines allow you to take one duty-free back onto the flight on top of any baggage you have paid for. So, the best luggage hack is to buy something at duty-free and fill the bag with any extra clothes or items that don’t fit in your carry-on. You can stroll onto the plane as normal and no one will suspect a thing, allowing you to take a few extra items without having to pay any extra. 

2. Wear your clothing on the plane

Another great hack is to wear as much bulky clothing on the plane as possible to save room in your hand luggage. Big coats, boots and jumpers take up loads of room, so wear them to the airport to save money on extra baggage. You might feel a bit hot, but it’s definitely worth it to avoid those pesky luggage fees and you can take them off once you’re on the plane.

3. Bring a pillow stuffed with clothes

Most airlines also allow you to bring a pillow on top of your baggage, but forget one of those round neck pillows. Instead, bring your own pillow from home and fill it with anything you need for your trip like rolled-up t-shirts, swimsuits and socks. This will free up loads of extra space in your carry-on bag and the flight attendants even realize.

Travel fluid limit
Travel essentials, fluid restrictions. Credit: Kinga Krzeminska (Getty Images)

4. Buy toiletries in the airport

Toiletries take up loads of room in your suitcase, so don’t bring any at all to save room and buy them at the airport instead. In some airports, you can even order toiletries online ahead of time and collect them before your flight. Alternatively, it might be cheaper to get your toiletries when you get to your destination. Remember, every country sells toothpaste and shampoo!

5. Only pack what you really need

Finally, pack your case efficiently and only take what you actually need. We’re all guilty of overpacking when we go on a trip because we want to cover all eventualities, but will you really wear that extra dress or pair of shoes? Create a list of essentials to avoid packing unnecessary items and use vacuum bags to free up more space.

Speaking of plane hacks, a flight attendant has revealed the seating strategy for scoring the best in-flight meal.