One in five holidaymakers pack a week's luggage into carry-on bag

One in five holidaymakers have crammed at least a week's worth of luggage into a carry-on bag to avoid expensive fees. A poll of 2,000 holidaymakers found an ambitious 11% reckon they could squeeze 10 days or more of holiday essentials into hand luggage alone. While 5% would even attempt to fit everything they need for a two-week holiday into a single cabin bag.

Travel light to avoid fees

Almost two thirds (58%) admitted they go to great lengths to avoid splashing out on expensive checked luggage fees. To do so, half will roll clothes as tightly as possible to save space, and 44% will carefully plan outfits so they can wear the same clothes more than once.

Another 34% will wear their bulkiest clothes while travelling and one in five will ditch physical books in favour of a tablet to save precious bag space. And a savvy 13% have used a duty-free carrier bag to sneak extra belongings onto the plane.

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Smartphones double up

To help save even more space, four in five (81%) prefer their smartphone to be compact enough to fit easily into a pocket or small bag, as they increasingly do the job of multiple holiday essentials. The research, commissioned by Samsung to mark the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold8, found that when packing smartphones often double up as a camera (62%), a map (55%) and boarding passes (45%).

Spokesperson Annika Bizon said: “I’m quite ruthless about what earns its place in my luggage when I’m travelling. “When you’re trying to pack for a weekend away, or even a family holiday, every bit of space counts, so I love anything that can do more than one job. “Technology is a big part of that.”

Last-minute bookings and size worries

Almost three quarters (74%) said they have booked, or would consider booking, a holiday at the last minute - making lighter travel increasingly appealing. The study from OnePoll.com found a third of travellers prefer to travel light, with 58% claiming it makes the journey easier. In fact, almost half (48%) consider it a badge of honour when they successfully squeeze their carry-on bag into an airline bag sizer at the airport.

Over half worry their carry-on could potentially be too big, with 36% having previously struggled to stay within the size limit, and as a result having to pay an average of £39 on top. Annika Bizon, from Samsung, added: “If one device can help you navigate, keep your travel documents to hand, capture the moments you want to remember and provide on-the-go entertainment, there’s no need for extra items. “For me, technology really earns its place when it makes life simpler, and Galaxy Z Fold8 is a prime example of that.”