Airlines are raising luggage fees, but these five packing hacks might help you avoid extra costs. Air Canada and WestJet have increased fees for checked luggage, but travelers can potentially save on space with these tips.
Why Are Luggage Fees Rising?
The cost of air travel is quickly rising, but packing light can help offset some of the expense. The conflict in Iran is a key driver of recent price hikes, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz sending jet fuel costs soaring. Airlines are looking for ways to ease the pressure, resulting in a wave of route cancellations, surcharges, and increased luggage fees. In Canada, WestJet and Air Canada have raised the price of checked bags, both adding $10 to first and second checked bags and $50 to excess, overweight, and oversized bags.
Five Packing Hacks to Save Money
Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner travel trends expert, told National Post: "It's worth checking your airline's hand luggage policy ahead of time, especially when flying with a new carrier, as size and item limits can vary. A bit of planning goes a long way and can help avoid last-minute surprises at the airport." Here are five clever packing tips that could help you dodge extra fees.
1. Use a Duty-Free Bag
Duty-free bags are often treated as separate from standard carry-on allowances. Some savvy travelers use them to bring extra items on board. Travel expert Chelsea Dickenson, also known as @cheapholidayexpert, shared a TikTok showing her putting extra items into a duty-free bag taken from a self-checkout in the terminal. She reportedly walked onto her flight without anyone questioning her. However, travelers should check airline policies before attempting this. Air Transat and WestJet note on their websites that duty-free items must fit inside cabin baggage. Porter Airlines states: "Duty-free items in reasonable quantities do not count towards your carry-on baggage allowance for your next flight."
2. Repurpose a Neck Pillow
Another travel hack shared widely online involves repurposing a neck pillow. TikTokers have shared videos of themselves removing the stuffing and swapping it with items of clothing they would otherwise be unable to fit in their carry-on bag. Be careful with this one, though. In 2024, a TikTok surfaced appearing to show a man being denied boarding after staff discovered a pillowcase filled with personal items.
3. Roll Your Clothes
Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save significant space in your luggage. This technique reduces wrinkles and allows you to fit more items into a smaller bag, potentially avoiding the need for a larger checked suitcase.
4. Wear Your Bulkiest Items
To save space in your luggage, wear your bulkiest items on the plane, such as a heavy jacket, boots, or multiple layers. This frees up room in your carry-on or checked bag for other essentials.
5. Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes help organize your belongings and compress clothing, maximizing space in your luggage. They allow you to fit more items neatly and can make it easier to stay within airline weight and size limits.
Final Advice
Lindsay warned travelers to be cautious: "While some viral packing hacks can seem clever, they're not always as reliable as they appear. Approaches like concealing extra items can depend heavily on the airline and airport staff, and in some cases may lead to delays or additional fees at the gate." With airline CEOs suggesting higher fares might be here to stay, it pays to pack light and plan ahead.
