A frequent flyer has shared a 30p purchase from WHSmith that could help you carry extra airport toiletries without paying additional luggage fees, but experts warned there are risks involved.
The 30p Hack Explained
Travelling with hand luggage alone can be a real challenge, particularly if you're heading away for a week and need to squeeze in your evening outfits, swimwear and toiletries all in one bag. The last thing anyone wants is to rock up at the airport only to be told their bag is oversized so they'll be hit with extra charges for not packing correctly.
Airlines seem to be constantly tweaking their carry-on restrictions to catch passengers out, but one seasoned traveller has discovered a clever workaround – and it'll cost you just 30p. Siani, who shares content on TikTok under the handle @sianitravels, revealed a nifty trick for squeezing extra toiletries into your luggage, so you'll never again have to agonise over leaving behind your pricey moisturiser or your beloved shampoo and conditioner.
Step-by-Step Trick
She posted a video responding to a follower's question which asked: "What was the hack for fitting the toiletries?" Siani explained: "So anything you couldn't fit in your hand luggage, you should put in a spare bag. Once you get through security, go to any duty-free store."
She revealed her preferred stop is WHSmith, as their carrier bags are roomy enough to hold a considerable amount of items, taking the stress out of the situation entirely. "Then I unload my extra bag, and I put all those bits and bobs into this new duty-free bag, because the hack is that you're allowed one duty-free bag with your carry-on luggage," Siani explained. She folds up her spare bag, tucks it into the WHSmith carrier, and she's all set to go. "Bish, bash, bosh," she quipped.
Risks and Warnings
One viewer pointed out: "Yeah, it's for duty-free items bought in the airport... so if the stuff is obviously not just purchased, they can still charge you." That said, when did anyone last have their duty-free bag checked to confirm everything had genuinely been bought at the airport? It's unlikely to happen, but it remains a risk if you're attempting to dodge extra charges.
"I thought the duty-free bag was supposed to be security sealed?" one woman queried, though someone clarified that this only applies to alcohol purchases at the airport, as passengers are not permitted to consume their own duty-free drinks on board.
Airport Employee Insights
One commenter who claimed to be an airport employee wrote: "Hey, so I work at the airport. If you have too many bags, even from duty-free, they can deny you boarding unless you leave your duty-free shopping behind if there's no space in the overhead bins. I've seen it happen a few times." "I have been made to put my purchases in my hand luggage twice before, now I don't risk it," another woman noted. So, it's certainly wise to approach this hack with care — but it did the trick for Siani!
