UK travellers have been warned not to fall for a viral packing hack that could see them banned from flights. The trick, which involves stuffing clothes into a pillowcase to avoid paying for extra carry-on luggage, has led to at least one passenger being stopped by police at Orlando International Airport in Florida.
The incident was captured on video by TikTok user @natashaorganic, who posted footage of the man being confronted at gate 17. In the clip, she says: 'Stop letting social media give you tips and tricks because sometimes it's not gonna work. This dude was trying to take in a pillowcase full of clothing and other items which he was stating was simply just a pillowcase.'
According to the video, airport staff gave the man the chance to pay for the additional luggage, but he refused until the doors were about to close. When he then tried to board, security called the police and he was escorted out. 'They gave him a chance, he didn't pay for it, and they ended up calling the cops on him,' Ms Organic added.
Commenters on the video were quick to criticise the man's actions. One wrote: 'The airport is the one place I'm making sure I'm a model citizen. Are people not afraid of felonies and the no fly list?' Another added: 'I'll fight anyone anywhere anytime but never the airport. Getting on the no fly list is worse than a bad credit score.'
Aviation security experts have reiterated that attempting to bypass luggage rules can lead to serious consequences, including being placed on a no-fly list. They advise passengers to follow airline policies and avoid relying on social media hacks that may not work.
