With airlines intensifying their scrutiny of hand luggage, passengers flying with Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Jet2 are being warned to avoid packing three common items to dodge unexpected charges at the airport. The advice comes as carriers increasingly enforce strict rules on cabin baggage, and even a minor packing error could result in costly fees.
Why Hand Luggage Rules Are Tightening
For budget-conscious travellers, opting for hand luggage only is an appealing choice due to lower fares. However, the ease of travelling light comes with rigid restrictions. Matthew Corrigan, CEO of Trtl Travel, explained: "Airlines such as Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet and Jet2 are cracking down on hand luggage passengers. One of the main drawbacks of heading off on holiday with only a carry-on bag is significantly less space for your belongings."
With numerous airlines now permitting just one small cabin bag free of charge — scarcely sufficient for a brief weekend break — the secret lies in packing more intelligently, not excessively. That involves reconsidering some routine essentials that might appear indispensable but are in fact consuming precious space.
Three Items to Avoid Packing
Matthew advised: "Avoid packing items that will be provided by the accommodation, such as hairdryers, towels, and toiletries. Only bring items you know you'll use, and try to share phone chargers and other technology wherever possible."
Hairdryers are a typical item that can prove troublesome: bulky, awkwardly shaped, and frequently unnecessary to travel with. Most hotels and holiday lets provide them as standard, meaning there's seldom a compelling reason to pack your own.
Towels are another bulky item best avoided unless you're staying somewhere that doesn't supply them, which is increasingly uncommon with most mainstream accommodation nowadays.
As for toiletries, they not only add unnecessary weight, but larger liquid containers can create problems at airport security. Travel-sized products or buying them upon arrival are much smarter alternatives.
Additional Tips for Cold Destinations
For those travelling to colder destinations, bulky garments such as coats or chunky jumpers should also be excluded from your suitcase. "It's best to wear large items such as jumpers and coats onto the plane rather than packing them," Matthew pointed out. "This frees up space and ensures you don't get cold during the flight."
By following these simple guidelines, passengers can avoid unexpected fees and make their hand luggage experience smoother and more cost-effective.
