Holidaymakers are using 10 simple tricks to avoid paying extra luggage fees, from rolling clothes to using duty-free bags.
According to a new survey, one in five travellers have managed to pack at least a week’s worth of luggage into a carry-on bag this summer.
The poll of 2,000 adults found that 58% are going to great lengths to avoid paying for checked baggage, with many turning to space-saving hacks and careful planning to make every inch of their hand luggage count.
Annika Bizon, a spokesperson for Samsung, which commissioned the research, 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."
The study also found that 11% of travellers believe they could pack 10 days or more into hand luggage alone.
Around 5% would even attempt to fit everything they need for a two-week holiday into a single cabin bag.
Common strategies include rolling clothes tightly (50%), planning outfits that can be worn more than once (44%), and decanting toiletries into smaller containers.
Samsung's research showed 34% of travellers wear their bulkiest clothes on the journey to save space in their bags, while 20 per cent switch from physical books to tablets.
While 13% admitted to using a duty-free shopping bag to sneak extra items onto the plane.
The most important travel item revealed
Smartphones have become a crucial travel item, with 72% saying it is the most important thing they pack after their passport.
Phones now regularly replace cameras (62%), maps (55%), and even boarding passes (45%) while abroad.
Around 81% prefer a device that fits easily in a pocket or small bag, with 69% saying portability is key.
The study also revealed 41% value a smartphone that can replace multiple other travel items.
Ms Bizon said: "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."
Nearly three-quarters (74%) have booked or would consider booking a last-minute holiday, making lightweight and flexible travel even more appealing.
A third said they prefer to travel light, and 58% believe it makes the journey easier.
Almost half (48%) feel a sense of pride when their carry-on fits into an airline bag sizer.
However, 52% worry about their bag being too large, and 36% have previously struggled to meet size restrictions.
Three in 10 have been charged extra, paying an average of £39 for oversized carry-on luggage.
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Top 10 ways holidaymakers avoid having to pay for extra luggage
The research highlights the growing importance of efficient packing and technology's role in simplifying travel.
The top 10 ways holidaymakers avoid paying for extra luggage, according to Samsung's research, are:
- 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.
How do you avoid paying for extra luggage? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below.
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