In 2024, over one-fifth of passengers paid excess baggage charges at airports. These fees can range from £12 per kilogram over the allowance on short-haul flights to around £18 per kilogram on long-haul journeys. For a family of four carrying just a few extra kilos, this can add hundreds of pounds to the cost of a holiday. However if you pack like a pro and travel with hand luggage only you can avoid incurring these fees. Here are my summer holiday packing tips so you can do just that.
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Roll up clothes
Make the most of the space in your flight bag by rolling clothes. It also helps you organise your bag better as you can identify each item clearly. Clothes can be folded along the original crease lines and items made of synthetic materials are less likely to crease. It might take longer to do so but you’ll be able to pack more in.
Use travel roll storage bags
Travel roll storage bags are ideal for packing your summer essentials. They can tightly store clothes in your flight bag by simply being rolled by hand. They are easy to use and no hoover is required! A double seal zip prevents air from re-entering the bag giving it a strong closure. It’s possible to save up to four times the space with the use of storage bags. Ensure you check final weight before travel so as to adhere to airline requirements.
Put socks and underwear into shoes
Every inch counts! Place smaller items such as socks and underwear into shoes to ensure all space is utilised.
Wear your biggest pair of shoes
Practicality over comfort is the key this year. In order to be able to take that all-important spare pair of shoes, wear your bulkiest ones when travelling. More room too for all underwear and socks!
Wear layers
If you can’t pack it, wear it. Try a dress over trousers, long sleeve tops tied around waist or throw on a scarf instead of jacket. Avoid layering any bulky items. Follow the ‘Rule of 3’ by adding at least one layer to your top and bottom pieces. Team base, mid and outer layers to optimize ‘layerability’ and help you deal with any changing temperatures on your journey.
Buy toiletries at the airport
Liquids in hand luggage are restricted to 100ml but you can take larger quantities of liquids purchased at the airport on board as long as they are sealed inside a security bag and that the duty free receipt is visible. Alternatively opt for shampoo bars, which can slot easily in to your travel bag.
Invest in some packing cubes
Although a tad pricey, packing cubes are a nifty way to organise your flight bag. Clothes can be organised item by item and clean clothes easily separated you’re your laundry. Packing cubes help to compress clothes and enable you to grab exactly what you need when you need it.
Stick with neutral ‘go with everything’ colours
Pack a neutral travel wardrobe so that it’s easy to mix and match your clothing on your trip for all occasions. Accessorise with belts or light scarves, costume jewellery or hair clips and pins.
Take extra canvas or plastic bags
Pop a couple of extra canvas bags in to your hand luggage for overspill on the return leg of your journey. This can be particularly useful for clothes destined for the wash. Alternatively a duty free bag can serve the same purpose if you make a purchase during your trip.
Choose type of bag carefully
Ensure you choose the optimum size bag for your journey to maximize the packing space you have available. Maximum dimensions and sizes do vary from carrier to carrier so ensure you check before you travel. Check out The Travel Hack for a range of stylish travel hack cases.
