UK travellers flying with airlines such as Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair and TUI are being urged to check their baggage carefully to avoid hidden fees that could total up to £125. With the peak summer travel season just weeks away, many passengers are still being caught out by oversized cabin bags or overweight suitcases, facing charges of up to £60 at the gate or £65 for exceeding hold luggage limits.
In response to the growing trend of hand-luggage-only travel, experts have shared practical advice to help passengers pack more efficiently. Nick Gaskin, Sales and Marketing Director at IT Luggage, recommends creating a ‘micro essentials kit’ containing underwear, key toiletries, medication and a charger as a safety net for delays or lost luggage.
Other tips include packing one complete spare outfit using crease-resistant fabrics, carrying a screenshot or printed boarding pass as a backup, and storing in-flight items such as headphones and snacks in a small pouch under the seat. For longer trips, packing by outfit rather than by item and using packing cubes to manage weight are suggested.
Additional advice includes positioning shoes heel-to-toe around the edges of the suitcase, using a lightweight laundry bag for worn clothes, and combining rolling and folding techniques. Photographing the packed suitcase can also support insurance claims if luggage is lost.
