HIDDEN airline fees are getting so ridiculous, passengers are now just ditching their luggage entirely.
Airlines – although budget ones in particular – now charge as much as £70 for cabins bags that are oversized.
One dad told Seattle Times how he was charged $35 for his extra luggage fee, while his son opted for throwing all of his food away to avoid the costs.
Another frequent traveller told them: “Sometimes, I’ve abandoned so many clothes that I no longer need a checked bag.”
It’s become so bad in some places like Japan that they have introduced signs saying: “Abandon your luggage and you will be charged.”
Others on Reddit say some tourists visiting cold countries leave all the heavy ski and thermal gear at their hotels to avoid having to pack it on their flight.
But, like most normal people, the idea of leaving behind our best holiday clothes and fanciest toiletries is a no-go.
So, as someone who never checks in a bag but has never been charged, here are some of my top tips to keeping your bag underweight.
Invest in a good luggage weigher
Before you even get to the airport, a luggage weigher can make sure you don’t break the rules of the weight restrictions.
Here’s one currently on 36 per cent discount.
Wear your heaviest shoes
You only need three pairs of shoes for your standard holiday, in my opinion – comfy sandals, fancy sandals and trainers.
Wear the latter for the flight, as these will weigh the most.
Ditch most of the toiletries
Shampoo and body wash are at most hotels; serums can be forgone for a few days;
Try conditioner sheets to save space, and don’t lug that massive toothpaste with you – buy some little ones.
Share the hairtools
Going on a girly holiday? Have one of you bring the straighteners and one bring the hairdryer if you want to avoid the built in hotel one.
Here’s our latest review of Dyson’s newest light travel hair dryer.
Go for a holdall over a suitcase
While they might not be as comfortable to carry, a bag always weighs less than a suitcase as it doesn’t have the wheels as well.
Or make sure it is a newer, lighter-made suitcase – it Luggage claim to have the world’s lightest in fact, at just 1.8kg.
Fill your pockets
Of course wearing your jacket is a no-brainer – but make sure to get one with lots of pockets to shove things in.
Heavy portable chargers, spare sunglasses… just don’t make it TOO obvious.
Send your entire bag
If you’re travelling domestically, why not try sending your bag instead?
One woman refused to pay the £30 luggage fee – and paid £2.59 to post her clothes instead.