UK holidaymakers planning a special 'airport outfit' for their travels are being warned that this trend could result in additional baggage fees. Experts at Good Business Travel advise that wearing bulky items on the flight is a more effective strategy to save suitcase space and avoid extra charges.
Natasha Inglis, Client Operations and Success Director at Good Business Travel, explained that airlines are under pressure to offset rising costs, making baggage fees a key revenue source. She recommends using travel days strategically by wearing the heaviest trainers, thickest layers, and bulkiest items to free up space in luggage.
Inglis also suggests a 'bed test' where travellers lay out all items before packing and remove at least a third to eliminate unnecessary duplicates. 'If it’s a maybe, then it doesn’t make it into the case,' she said. Additional tips include using packing cubes to compress clothes and following a 3-2-1 carry-on rule: three tops, two bottoms, and one outer layer that all work interchangeably.
With many airlines charging extra for checked bags, being caught out at the airport can add significant costs to a trip. Inglis emphasised that smarter packing is one of the simplest ways to avoid unnecessary spending, without sacrificing comfort.
