Rob Adcock, from Stoke-on-Trent, has gone viral on social media after sharing a video in which he uses a vacuum pack machine to compress 20kg of clothing into a small rucksack, allowing him to bypass Ryanair's strict baggage fees on a £15 flight. The clip has garnered over 2.4 million views from cost-conscious travellers.
How the Hack Works
In the video, Adcock shows his vacuum-packed clothes, joking, "Look at it," before stuffing them into his rucksack, which is permitted as a free carry-on item. By avoiding hold luggage, he saved the airline's hefty additional bag fees and skipped the baggage carousel wait at his destination.
Risks and Drawbacks
Ryanair imposes a 10kg limit on cabin luggage, and passengers caught exceeding this at the airport may face extra charges. One TikTok user warned: "Literally saw someone get caught doing this in Budapest today. It didn't end well." Others noted that vacuum-packed clothes can be heavy and become creased, making them less suitable for those wanting to look presentable on holiday.
Reaction from Fellow Travellers
Scores of viewers found the hack amusing, with one calling it the "packing cube final boss." However, sceptics pointed out practical issues, such as how to re-vacuum items for the return journey. One commenter asked: "How are you supposed to vacuum it back up before going back on the plane when going home?" Another added with laughing emojis: "Vacuum packed stuff is HEAVY."
Despite the risks, Adcock's hack proved successful for him, but travellers are warned that being caught could result in additional charges for their trip.
