One in five holidaymakers have stuffed at least a week's worth of belongings into a carry-on bag to dodge costly fees. A survey of 2,000 holidaymakers found an optimistic 11% reckon they could cram 10 days or more of holiday essentials into hand luggage alone, while 5% would even try to fit everything they need for a fortnight's break into a single cabin bag.
Extraordinary lengths to avoid fees
Nearly two thirds (58%) confessed they go to extraordinary lengths to avoid forking out on pricey checked baggage fees. To achieve this, half will tightly roll their clothes to conserve space, and 44% will meticulously plan outfits so they can re-wear the same items.
Another 34% will wear their bulkiest attire for the journey and one in five will swap physical books for a tablet to save valuable luggage room. A crafty 13% have even utilised a duty-free carrier bag to smuggle extra items onto the plane.
Smartphones as multi-purpose travel tools
To further maximise space, four in five (81%) prefer their smartphone to be compact enough to slip easily into a pocket or small bag, as it increasingly takes on the role of multiple holiday essentials. The study, commissioned by Samsung to celebrate the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold8, discovered that when packing, smartphones often serve 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%) admitted they have booked, or would contemplate booking, a last-minute holiday - making lighter travel increasingly attractive. The survey from OnePoll.com found a third of travellers prefer to travel light, with 58% asserting it makes the journey easier. In fact, nearly half (48%) consider it a badge of honour when they successfully cram everything into their carry-on bag.
Over half fret their carry-on might potentially be too large, with 36% having previously battled to keep within the size restriction, and consequently having to fork out 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."
Top 10 ways holidaymakers avoid extra luggage fees
- Rolled clothing tightly to save space.
- Carefully planned outfits so I could re-wear clothes during the trip.
- Decanted toiletries into smaller containers.
- Worn my bulkiest shoes, coat or jumper while travelling.
- Worn multiple layers of clothing for the journey.
- Ditched physical books in favour of a gadget.
- Used packing cubes or vacuum bags to fit more in.
- Reduced the amount of travel entertainment.
- Watched online tutorials for luggage-packing tips.
- Used a duty-free shopping bag to carry extra luggage or essentials.
