2024 UPDATE! Airlines are cracking down. Some of the strategies in this video won't work. Watch this to learn more: ua-cam.com/video/yLDz-ttaf20/v-deo.htmlsi=GTMTj3rJb1mBivr9
One piece of advice I've taken to hearth is, Lay out all the items and the amount of money you think you'll need. Then put back half the items and double the money.
Yep….my strategy is to travel as light as possible…one suitcase in the hold…..and just my sling bag….no hassles and stress trying to find a space where a greedy selfish person has unloaded half of their wardrobe in several rucksacks and carry on bags….for me, if I need something extra, I’ll buy it…..if I really do need it, which I won’t, oh and either laundry your clothes yourself or use the hotel laundry…..or….hehe….travel business class and not give a hoot…..the latter I know I’ll never afford…..
@@karlhoward2737👍 likewise, I always pack light, check the bag even if it’s carry on size, so I’m not fighting for locker space, and take more than enough money to cover buying cheap clothes etc if the bag is delayed,
I went to France last summer and I wore three light summer dresses on my flight there so I could have extra clothes. It work pretty good because it kept me warm on the plane. Safe and fun travel to everyone
I met a well travelled lady who adopted a different strategy. She travelled underweight. On arrival at her destination she would go to an Op shop and get a new wardrobe. Upon leaving the destination she would donate any unwanted clothes back to the Op shop. Heavy things like winter clothing was always uppermost in her mind. Everybody wins.
I'm going to pack clothes that I plan on donating or that have holes etc to wear on the trip then donate or dispose of them before returning so that new clothes or souveneirs that I buy won't impact the weight as much
That’s exactly what I did the first time I flew to England. I under-packed. AND all my underpinnings were my oldest ones. I washed a couple times there because we were on a three week trip, but in the end, I just disposed of the old items and had plenty of room for new things I had gotten in England and France.
Hip packs are *also* sometimes considered a "personal item" versus an item of apparel. I wore my Travelon Mini Metro bag-much smaller than the one you showed-around my waist for a flight last February and because it wasn't hidden by my jacket (oops), the Alaska Airlines gate staff insisted it had to be put in my actual personal item...fortunately, it fit. So the moral of the story is: wear your hip pack around your waist AND zip up your jacket to hide it before boarding.
Ha - good tip, Barbara! I've had purses/slings/hip packs that some airlines have made me cram into my personal item bag. Like you, thankfully it fit. Another commenter here mentioned swinging the hip pack around so it's at the back; less likely airline staff will notice it!
True American airlines at both our second leg in Philadelphia band then again in San Diego they counted hipster personal items. I zipped up my coat and got through but they didn't let u board with this, backpack and roller luggage
So what you’re saying is if you hide it from view, you won’t have any problems, lol? That’s obviously how things work. If you hide problems, people won’t know about them, lmao
EDIT: This is no longer a dependable tactic; use at your own risk! They may want to see a current receipt for the contents of the bag. Another trick: get the largest store-branded shopping bag from common airport vendors (like Starbucks or Hudson News) and keep it with your carry-on for future use, since airlines don't count items you bought in the airport, they don't count the contents of airport vendor bags against your personal item or carry on allowance. This can give you a few more crucial liters of volume...and they don't weigh them, either. I've collected about 6 bags from airport vendors, and check the airports I'll be using to see which bags I should bring
I've heard of this being done before! Glad it works for you. Question though: this won't help you get around scrutiny the check-in desk, will it? Only at the gate, right?
Last year we flew Qatar airlines with a 15 pound carry-on weight limit. And they did weigh them! We met the goal with careful packing and wearing jackets with big pockets (holding camera and electronics). Also we donated some of our clothing before returning home to make room for souvenirs, including our extra pair of shoes. Don’t put books in luggage and try to pack only one pair of lightweight shoes. Weigh everything!
I plan on doing this when I go on my cruise in September. I will be leaving Orlando to NYC, spend a few days there then embark on my cruise. I am packing some gently used clothes to wear while in NYC since I'll mostly be relaxing in my hotel room. I will then donate those clothes and leave room for some souvenirs.
@@stacythomas1587 We stayed in a Marriott hotel in Cairo, Egypt where they had a special container for guests to donate used clothing! I wish more hotels would do this. I usually offer our gently-used clothing to the lower-paid workers, in addition to the usual tips.
@@louisevillegas6739 I can't buy shoes in Barcelona,cso beautiful and high quality but the sale person said it's not a good idea buying shoes when traveling international because your feet change size by walking a lot daily. They honestly cannot help with the sale. I learned from that. The time I got on the return plane, both my legs don't show any veins!!! Beautiful as waxed.
Personally, my hack re avoiding overweight penalties at the counter is to weigh all my pieces beforehand and adjust the distribution in the comfort of my own home. We have a small luggage scale which we take with us to ensure we’re underweight for the return trip.
@@SirenaSpades That's why I don't have one, though at times it might have given me some peace of mind. That said, I don't even think airport scales are all that accurate....
I frequently travel internationally for up to six weeks at a time and have several times used the pillow trick. I once folded & rolled a pair of bulky blue jeans, a hoodie, and my down puffy jacket and slid the resulting fat roll into a pillowcase. I then tucked the pillowcase ends in! No one has ever batted an eye.
I have another hack that I have personally used successfully... I got my mother to slit the inside lining of my bodywarmer jacket from shoulder to shoulder and then stitch in a pillow case inside... The result is I can easily carry on my laptop and even charger and cables in the pockets and then just carry the jacket thru security and onto the plane. They never question bulky jackets...
I think you're on the money with this one I do a similar thing after all my years of travel I think this is the number 1 best tip for hiding carryon weight.
@@NoraDunn I totally agree, I never travel without my Scott e vest. Amazing what I can fit inside all of the pockets. And as a bonus, when going through security all valuable items are already inside the vest; just slip it off for TSA X-ray.
I had an inflatable neck pillow with a bladder that died, so now I roll up my light down jacket inside the zipped fleece cover. That provides a comfy neck pillow on the plane AND a warm jacket (if needed) at my destination and it does not take up space in my luggage. It's a great solution!
My personal strategy to avoid carry-on baggage fees is to... carry less stuff. I haven't used a full sized suitcase that has to be checked in decades. I travel with a small carry-on suitcase which is often only half full and a small backpack that can fit under the seat in front of me. I found that the more I carry, the less enjoyable the trip is. Minimalism is where it is at. A few versatile clothing items and enough socks and underwear is all I need.
I've mentioned this in the comments of other of your videos so apologies for repeating this, but we had the same experience a few months ago with carry-on weight limits on an international trip. I booked everything through Delta but only the first leg was actually on Delta from a US airport but the second leg was on its partner Air France from CDG in Paris. No problems leaving the US other than having to shift a couple of things between suitcases during check-in as Delta has no carry-on weight limits on international flights. But when it was time to fly out of Paris, we found out that Air France had a strictly enforced 12kg max policy for everything you were going to bring into the cabin with you COMBINED, so your carry-on, personal item and anything else you weren't carrying on your person had to be under that limit. And, of course, we were each over. We had to go through that several times, continually shifting things around, until we finally managed to stuff just enough into our pockets and wear enough clothes to make it through to security. And even then we were still slightly over so I think they either took pity on us or were tired of seeing us. We almost missed the flight because of this. We even tried to check in our carry-ons but by then the counters had closed for our flight. Worst travel experience ever and we've had plenty. So, yes, absolutely, be mindful of checked and carry-on size and weight limits, and realize that many airlines and airports consider everything you bring on board and aren't wearing or carrying on your person to be part of that limit and not just the actual carry-on bag, and put as much as you can in your checked luggage if you have any, even going a bit over the limit as you can always remove things if they aren't willing to check it in without a penalty.
Yes! Great hacks, and yes, I've succeeded with the pillow case hack. However, it was a pillow/blanket combo that I used. Took the blanket out, replaced it with an entire outfit. Worked just fine!
Just to say it: some airlines put the personal items bag on their scales. So it doesn't help to put heavy things there in and be happy that the cabin luggage is in the limits. Be always careful and check the actual restrictions of the airline. And key for travels without luggage troubles is: don't carry too much of stuff with you, especially not if you go for a longer trip. Almost everything can be purchased at your destination, and in many cases it is even cheaper to purchase the items (like e.g. cosmetics, clothes, flipflops, electronics etc.) there. My little hack: I travel mostly in cargo pants. Not latest fashion, but useful, especially when you are 'just so' over the limit. Items like power banks, smartphones, smaller tablets, chargers, brief cases with coins, cables or a pack of 200 g of Haribos etc. are not only fast and easily at hand when you need them, if you put them in these cargo pockets, but their weight is also not in your luggage. For easy handling, you can put even plenty of small items like keys, coins, usb sticks, adapters etc. in a zip bag and put this bag in your cargo pocket instead of keeping all these little things loosely in your pocket. Important side aspect: Once you are seated you can remove everything from your pockets for more comfort, and store it (again) in your cabin luggage or personal items bag, or put it in any collapsible tote or daypack you brought with you. Since nobody cares how many bags you have once you are sitting in the plane.
@@NoraDunn absolutely. And you don't have to invest plenty of money, there is no need to purchase special travel trousers which cost triple amount of standard cargo pants. Any simple cargo trousers will do the job as well. Might not always look top fashion style, but your not-so-dernier-cri look works even better, if you combine the cargos with a sloppy oversized T-shirt or sweater, under which you can comfortably hide your hip bag with even more heavy stuff inside ... 🤣
@@DianaLynn45 yes. You have to empty all your pockets for TSA. That's also one of the reasons why it makes sense to have smaller items together in a plastic bag instead of simply filling your pockets - you just take the bag out and done. But if I do have to go first to the airline's counter before going to TSA I do it of course already before going to that counter. See, if you want to reduce the weight of your cabin luggage since you are over the limits, you have to reduce it in case the airline checks the weight of said luggage. That can happen at two points: 1) at the check-in counter (the airline's counter you have to go for checking in your luggage and getting your boarding pass) and 2) at the gate (that's the waiting area/entrance gate from where you board the airplane). Meanwhile many airlines do online boarding (you go into your airline's webpage and get your boarding pass there and have to print it out or store it on your mobile phone), and some have also machines at the airport to check your check-in-luggage in. That means it is all self service at the airport and you don't have to go to any counter before going to TSA. So if you wish you can keep items like power banks or smartphone etc. in your luggage, remove it for TSA and then put it either back in your cabin luggage or in your whatever other pockets. But if you have to go first and before you go to TSA to the counter, where also your cabin luggage might be put on the scales, it makes obviously sense to get some overweight out of your luggage ... ;-) In former times relatively unknown, it happens meanwhile much more often, that cabin luggage is checked at the gates. So after TSA and before you enter the plane, your cabin luggage might be checked again. That happens usually when they have plenty of passengers coming from other flights (so called transit passengers which do not leave the airport but just walk from one airplane to the next), or when most of the passengers use automats for checking in their luggage and/or getting boarding pass, what happens at more and more airports internationally, depending on the airline. Means also when you have to change your airplane in between your travel, it makes lot of sense to keep your cabin luggage inside the norms - since they might check it again when you board the next airplane. So for example, if you would travel from New York, USA via Frankfurt, Germany to Delhi, India, Your cabin luggage might be checked in New York as well as in Frankfurt for its weight and dimensions, before you can enter the airplane. Usually they do first an optical check, and if you carry a small rucksack which doesn't look very heavy they never tell anything, even if it is in fact filled with lead and heavy as hell. But if you come with your typical one year around the world traveler's Osprey Farpoint kind of rucksack, stuffed like a cargo container from China, and you are obviously bended under the weight like a question mark, they will surely ask you kindly to put your things on the scales. But they don't ask you to stand yourself there on top... 🤣 But as I said already: key of staying out of any luggage troubles is to take not too much with you. Minimalism is key, also on travels.
@@DianaLynn45 Yes, and no! You can fill the pockets of a jacket or vest with your valuables, because you will have to take that jacket off to clear security (TSA). That way, all your valuables are in one place. Because you need to empty all pockets of clothing that you are wearing before you walk through the body scanner, whilst your bags (and your jacket with pockets full of your wallet, phone, etc) goes through the xray.
Last Christmas my husband and I went on a week vacation using a personal item only. We got some packing packs and vacuum bags and filled it. It worked great!! I will travel this way from now on.
@@NoraDunn Brilliant, I did it for 4 days, lightclothes in a packing cube in my handbag to fit under the seat carried a book and water bottle with camera in my jacket pocket another bonus was no luggage to worry about or carry, I'll try it for a week next!
Never been so glad to have to carry a CPAP! I found a small tote, JUST a wee bit larger than my unit and hose, but with room for my iPad mini, headphones, and electronics bag. Cuz a CPAP device is medical (and I found a nifty tag that I can put on the bag for easy identification), the bag doesn't count towards my personal item or carryon limitation. Score!
I have a checked bag. I have one duffle carry-on. I have a crossbody, but I stuff it in the carry-on until I'm on the plane. The dimensions are within limits and the weight is usually light.
I actually used the pillow trick unintentionally... Not reduce weight but to reduce bulk carrying on. I made a zippered fancy pillow case about 8"x8" and stuffed my poofy quilted 3/4 length jacket into it. Worked great as a pillow and didn't have to stick it in the overhead. Then whipped it out as a blanket flying over the north ATLANTIC.
@@ducharmefrance Have you really worn 2 pairs of jeans on the plane? At the same time? I have worn multiple tops, sweaters, jackets, but not layers of jeans. lol
Terrific videos on this complicated subject. I've been studying them in preparation for my upcoming trip. The 'wearing it' rule may not be that new. During the Spanish colonial period in the Americas any jewelry, (gold) you were wearing when you landed Spain wasn't taxed upon arrival, so people had huge heavy gold chains made so they could wear them when they disembarked.
I tend to buy an expensive jewelry item as souvenir if I found something I like. It lasts longer and no issue bringing it back. I only bring thin items like linen, cotton, and merino; no extra shoes or coat. I wear my coat, heavier jumper/hoody, and put battery bank, charger, camera, etc. in pockets. I also don’t bring liquid, just a bar of soap for everything and coconut oil for skin and hair. I stage cake foundation mixed with coconut oil to lightly cover my face plus a tiny trio of neutral shadows, a brow pencil, and one lip color. Basically what I really need fits into a weekender. I love wearing hats, scarves, and duster/poncho. They change the outfit and small enough to fit into handbag. I wear my poncho/ruana/puffer vest over my coat to avoid packing them.
They make a “camping” pillow case that is designed for this purpose. It has a fold over opening that keeps the contents from falling out. Works great, but it’s not as big as a regular pillow case. Having said that, I think your idea is one that sounds great on paper but might be difficult to put into practice. How do you keep the pillow case closed when it’s got stuff in it? I wear a LARGE photographers vest. It has 17 pockets. If necessary I can pack 2 weeks worth of stuff in it. And for sure it counts as wearable. I also bring a waterproof sealable bag when I wear the vest. When I get on the plane, I might want to take the vest off, or off load some of the contents for comfort. I put those items in the bag, close it up, and use it as a pillow. I can also use the vest at my destination for carrying items. The waterproof bag also comes in handy for dirty laundry. I started doing this when we first started flying Allegiant which was where we first encountered these new rules about baggage. My wife liked it so much, she started using one of my old vests, it only has 12 pockets but she can get it pretty full!
Very clever with the vest, then offloading the vest contents into a packable bag after clearing security! As for keeping a regular pillowcase closed, just use one with a zipper! :-)
Hello Nora, I’m a new subscriber and I have to give my Opinion that might be different from most others here. I am 72 and an experienced traveler. I would rather have a checked bag with a tracker then go through the packing and wearing all my clothes to save a few bucks. A sidenote is that my cane is not Counted as a personal item but has to be stored in the overhead bin unless it can be disassembled. I’m going to Europe in a few months with my partner. I have one checked bag that’s free He has a backpack. I’m bringing n osprey cinch daypack and a purse. I once fell in the airport with a carry-on and my cane. Never again. I enjoy your channel. Aloha from Hawaii
Thanks for weighing in, Marilyn! I agree, there are times when it's just better to check a bag. I'm not the sort of person who militantly believes carry-on is the only way...by any stretch. Your situation is one of many perfect examples why checking a bag is the way to go.
It’s super important to check each individual airlines’ rules and pack for the most restrictive one. I found out to my dismay last night that not only does SAS have a 8kg weight limit for the carry-on, but a fairly small size (no weight listed) limit on your personal item. I was up late cancelling the heavier carry-ons I’d ordered in favor of the lightest ones I could get and ordering backpacks that met the 40x30x15 cm personal item limit. We will be leaving Atlanta in summer and flying above the arctic circle, so all our heaviest clothing items will be on our bodies because with three different flights each way, we will NOT be checking bags!
For the pillowcase hack, make sure to use a liner on the inside, pack the items (preferably clothes) in the liner, then put a pillow case on top (with the zipper placed on the inside part of the cover). They have started to question these "pillows " 😂 And it shouldn't be a very large pillow......a friend of mine had to open hers up to prove it.
A pillowcase full of clothes is an unusual item to carry and because of this and it's size it is likely to be weighed. I can almost guarantee that it will be over the maximum 2 kg for personal items on many airlines.
When I used to fly as a rep, I would leave my heavy items in my Avis rental car at the airport but not turn the keys into Avis. I would then take my empty carry on bag to the check in where it would be weighted. After that, I returned to the Avis car, loaded up my carry on bag and turned in my keys to the Avis company and boarded the aircraft. Worked every time.
I use the“Tube”travel pillow stores clothes and provides neck and lumbar support. You get neck and lumbar support plus additional storage with no additional baggage fees. Clips to your carry on, around your waist and your neck. Slim, nimble and easy to use, the Tube packs in its own pocket then fits handily into yours. I can fit a full set of clothes for a day plus pajamas in my tube.
Rather than a pillow case, I use a pair of microfibre tights, slide one leg into the other, and stuff it with my packing cube of socks and underwear - and any other soft items. I tie the ends into a nice donut which looks a lot like, but actually works better than, those neck pillows. It also easily ties onto the handle of my bag. Once at my destination, the packing cube goes back in my bag, along with a pair of tights that I can wear on my trip. Heading off on a four week, four country trip with an 18lb max carry on. I hate having to shlep around a neck pillow, even though I like having something for the overnight cross Atlantic flight. Kills two birds with one stone.
Two hacks. 1) Some airlines count a neck pillow as carryon. Instead, buy an inexpensive neck brace (medical). It's less expensive than a neck pillow, works better for sleeping/resting, and it's always allowed as a medical device. Also, you can sometimes board early. 2) This is slightly cheating, but if you're in the third or later boarding group, you may be told that there's not enough overhead bin space and you'll have to gate check your bag. They are always extra conservative on overhead space estimates, so if you are in the third boarding group and if they tag your bag to leave it at the end of the jetway, just remove the tag and carry your bag on board. I've done this twice in the last 3 years and there's always been sufficient space in the overhead bins. Don't try this if you're in the last boarding group!
I take the foam out of my travel pillow and stuff it with underwear and t-shirts etc. if I'm just taking a personal underseat bag on Frontier. I've also stuffed a USPS flat rate envelope with clothing and mailed it ahead so it would be waiting at my destination if I had too much for the personal item. This doesn't work for all trips, but is great for a couple of weeks if you're staying with friends etc. and can do laundry, or even buy extra clothes at a thrift shop once you're there.
I have a travel vest with a bunch of pockets. I can put phone, tablet, keys, comb/brush, socks, etc in it (I can get really creative) & it is almost like having an extra personal item.
@@NoraDunn unfortunately, the Scottevest doesn't have the best reviews at all. Is it still worth it considering how much stuff you can pack into the pockets? How long have you used yours, and is it holding up?
Great tips, yes the pillow case one, I did something similar, I wanted to bring my memory foam neck pillow but the thought of dragging it everywhere on my 4 month trip was not appealing. Solution I took out the memory foam, as the pillow came with a Plush, zippered cover, and filled this cover with T-shirt’s, underwear, and a jacket I ended up needing on the cold flight! It saved some weight from my carry on. It worked like a charm, and I only have to carry the neck pillow cover now…Only down side is that the comfort of the pilllow without memory foam was a bit less…
I have had airline personnel tell me my fanny pack counted as a 3rd item (after my carry-on bag & personal item) and wouldn't be allowed on board. I stuffed the fanny pack into my personal item and boarded. Now I always keep my fanny pack in my personal item until takeoff! I have been on full flights where children were forced to check their (small) teddy bears before boarding!
Great point! I've noticed airlines cracking down on this; I made a more recent video about it: ua-cam.com/video/yLDz-ttaf20/v-deo.htmlsi=Hra-OxTVGbuB-OXA
My best workaround was the time I flew on Philippine Airline with a very heavy carry-on. Knowing they were strict beforehand, I took a ton of stuff out (it was quite heavy with scuba gear) and stuck it in a coin locker for around 2 dollars. I then put the now lighter bag on the scale, got the within-the-weight-limit tag put on and then went back to the locker and restuffed with the heavy items. Boarded the plane, no problem.
Some airlines will require that the total weight of your carry on and person luggage total weighs X. Personal bags usually need to fit under the seat. A-Holes bring personal bags too big for the space under the seat and take up two carry on compartment spots, usually ruining the experience to another flyer to use a compartment most likely in another section. Wear your sling under a jacket. Carry your tech and heavy items in the sling.
@@NoraDunn These were budget airlines between Australia Asia and around Asia. They may apply to you with budget airlines as they like to pinch you for every penny. Scoot, AirAsia and Vietjet. All of their conditions on carry on all noted that carryon + personal need to equal to weight X. Each had a different total as well, from 7-9kg which is why I had to shift weights from personal to my sling which I wore under my jacket at all times other than security check. I was only ever checked once during my itinerary at check in as there was no online check in at this particular flight, but it was a very vague check and was asked "is your carryon within weight" to which my answer was the obvious cheeky one.
I’ve done the pillowcase trick many times because I always bring my own pillow when I travel. Works a charm. Also, you could have a ScottE vest or jacket ….many pockets….
Use all those store refillable bags "strongly advised" to us as stronger bags than their paper-thin plastic bags as acceptable bags to haul "last minute" things! Another interesting thing I read recently was taking a deflated beach ball & then blowing it up onboard to use as a pillow for your lower-back or anywhere else you have a sensitive region needing cushioning!🎉🎉🎉
i have been doing the pillow hack for years.... I have a throw pillow case i put straps on the back so it can go on my suit case handle and I reinforced the zipper.... I keep a big blanket and stuff for on the plan,,,,,,, i fly southwest and they have a list of things that do not count as carry-one ...
I bought a vest that I use every trip. It has about 12 (to maybe 14 pockets) that get filled. After all it is apparel. And a hip bag, and an under the seat bag, along with the carry on.
About the pillowcase hack: I've known a lot of travelers who travel with 18 nom silk pillowcases. They throw all their over clothes (jackets etc) in and sleep like babies on flights!! Plus your silk pillowcase beats most hotel pillowcases. Just remember to stow it when you leave the room.
I used the pillow hack during my trip to Mexico. I flew with British Airways from Düsseldorf to Cancun. It worked!! This way I could bring a lot more clothing and use the space in the bags for other things 👍
I'm glad it worked for you! Be warned: as of this year, some airlines are catching on to this now and pillows are no longer allowed as extra. It's hit and miss as to which airlines are getting strict and where.
Firstly, I came to make a comment that someone has already made about take-off fuel and balance which I agree with but also, if people keep abusing the rules, airlines may eventually ban carry on luggage or charge for it or alternatively increase flight prices to cover the increase in fuel needed and aviation fuel is not inexpensive so if we want prices to stay as low as possible, (and I think everyone wants that) then we all need to follow the rules.
Also, they are probably nowhere near the weight limit because the hold is empty - all our bags are in the cabin! 😂 imo they created the problem by charging stiff fees for checked bags.
The airlines need to weigh the passengers and follow their OWN RULES (available on the TSA website) and force people who are unable to sit in ONE seat WITH the armrests DOWN (per airline rule), then they must buy two or three seats as needed.
@Dana Eads I've heard people doing exactly as you suggest..... buying more than one seat for themselves. However, once onboard the stewards/ stewardesses, place someone in the 'empty' seat. I'm guessing that as there are a set number of seats on each plane and the check-in desk count that there is one less passenger than there are seats, they sell the 'spare' seat thereby recreating the original problem and leaving the passanger out of pocket for the extra seat that in all good will, they paid for but are now unable to utilise. So the situation is not always the passengers fault. I'd also like to say that not all obese people are lazy and overeat. Some people have medical conditions that cause obesity or are taking prescribed medications that can cause weight increase and some have medical conditions that makes exercise difficult or impossible some people have slow metabolism which can also cause weight gain. Finally there are two conditions called lymphoedema and lipodemia, where a person might have a slim body but also have huge upper arms and/or hips, bottom, legs, and for which there is no cure. I think basically it comes down to being kind and understanding of our fellow human beings and passangers. We never know what challenges they are facing in life.
@@auzzygirl8175 I don't care if someone is obese due to a medical reason or due to a food addiction. If someone doesn't fit in an 18" wide seat, they need to buy more than one seat. They do not have the right to encroach upon my seat and create a safety and comfort issue for me. IF they purchased two seats and chose not to alert the gate agent to scan both their tickets to signify they are present and intend to use both seats, and the gate agent gave their "empty" seat to someone on standby, then those two need to work it out on board and the person on standby needs to disembark. The ticket agent and the gate agents are both at fault for failing to confront a large person and inform them they need to buy two tickets since they failed to recognize their girth or hoped that noone would say anything and they could save money. I write all this as a formerly obese person who has fought to return to a normal, healthy weight.
I think the best way to handle this is do you feel you need to put on fresh clothes every day? You check a large bag, have personal bag and possibly carryon too. Do you want to spend money at your destination not on luggage fees? Then backpack or carryon or both. Then you commit to finding laundry facilities or services or washing your things in the sink, with hotel shampoo or body wash if provided (for stays of week/+) or you pick clothing that doesn’t need frequent washing. I pack merino tops, socks and underwear (I won’t go back to cotton and never did synthetic; merino is that much better). Jeans and leggings can be worn multiple times before needing washing. Leggings are very compact, you can probably get 3 in the space jeans use. You can also use febreeze to give your clothes that just washed smell, just put it in a small travel spray bottle. I manage to fit all I need in a carry on and backpack for 10 days plus food for the transatlantic flight and snacks at destination for a couple days. I have many food allergies, tomatoes and bell peppers the most problematic as they are cheap ingredients and most used. I also can’t eat nuts or things with small seeds. Add a melon allergy and that’s most of the food offered on airplanes. So I pack food and it has come in handy for delayed meals for turbulence, when my layover meal time is eaten up by delayed flights and I’m running to board my connection or just needing to nosh to prevent hanger.
I've used the pillowcase hack before and it's great! I've started a trip in peak summer where temps are already in the 90's. My destination was much cooler where a coat or sweater would be needed. I'm not going to wear a coat or heavy sweater through the airport when it's 90° outside. Fold them neatly and stuff them in the pillowcase. Use it on the flight as an actual pillow or back support. When you reach your destination you can layer up/put your coat on and the now empty pillowcase takes up nearly no room in your carry-on.
I have a neck pillow “case”, that has snaps on the ends, and a long zipper in the middle. I stuff it with coat or sweater, scarf, gloves, etc. zip it shut, then snap it around my carry-on handle, or, if necessary around my neck. I like traveling with a pillow, but like this idea better as it serves two purposes.
I think it might be a good idea to ship your bag ahead of time to the hotel. I think there is a $25 fee from the hotel. I carry stuff that I don’t plan to bring back with me, ex: old slippers, undies, tees. Instead of luggage cubes, I bring a kitchen trash bag for dirty laundry.
Amazon now has a pillow case roll that you can stuff soft stuff with, and when full, will look like a travel pillow. it even has a strap for carrying it. will be using it in my travel this year
I sometimes wear a ScottE vest that holds all my electronics, cameras, lenses, chargers, batteries, and even iPad. Budget carrier carryon weight limits like sunwing are so low that you can hardly put anything into your rolllerboard because that case itself takes up over half of the weight allowed.
On my upcoming trip, I'm trying something new. I got one of those neck pillows, but it's empty! I'm loading it with my jacket, rain jacket, towel and an extra set of clothes. So much room! I plan to use it as a pillow during plane and bus rides, plus I have everything I need to stay warm on a cold flight. I bought this on Amazon. I think it was less than $20.
I have to disagree with being sneaky about overweight bags. Just about everyone wants or needs things in flight. An airplane has a gross take off weight. When a plane is heavy for takeoff its uses more runway for its roll to get into the air. I'd like to think a plane with a couple hundred people on board are honest about weight. I mention about a plane overweight on takeoff out of NAS that crashed into shart infested waters shortly after takeoff due to overweight. Weight is a serious factor.
I was curious about the various ways other UA-camrs suggest to go around the airline's limit as well. If all the passengers do so on every single flights, doesn't that put everyone at risk? Surely the airlines must leave a wiggle room in anticipation of passengers using tips to exceed the weight limit...right (or so I hope 🤞🏼)?
While I understand this, how about weight of passengers? They don't ask that at check in. My spouse weighs 300 lbs, while I weigh 150. That's a lot bigger difference than me trying to stuff an extra few pounds of stuff onto my body.
I got around this the first (and only) time I was stopped before security to weigh AND measure my carryon. My weight was good but the length was off by half and inch. As this was my home airport (Toronto Pearson) and I’m very familiar with it, I walked towards the check in counter, then detoured to get to security another way, where thankfully no luggage police was set up. Got onto my flight no problem (they didn’t check at the gate) and my carryon fit just fine in the overhead.
Bang on with the ran jacket too. In fact, I made a video about how the down jacket / rain jacket combo it the best: ua-cam.com/video/xJRMvjDR5Rc/v-deo.html
I think I love you. You are the only one here who has mentioned British Airways! I had a feeling they would be tough. Thanks so much!! I really want to have a carry-on and a personal items bag.
I travel with just an 18L backpack. I've only had it weighed once in Asia and it was way under the limit. It also fits under the seat in front of me, so I don't have to worry about overhead bins.
@@NoraDunn Everything fits. If it doesn't, I don't take it. I only take 1-2 outfits with me (no extra shoes) and just plan on washing in the sink at night. I also take a swimsuit and swim shirt to warm climates. The only tech I take is my phone and headphones. I use a shampoo bar for the shower and I don't wear makeup. I live fairly minimally at home, so do the same when I travel. I love being able to get off the plane, throw my backpack on my back, and be ready for any adventure without being weighed down.
@@veggirl1964 Aha! It's the lack of tech that differentiates you and I the most. My 20-25L personal item bag is predominantly filled with tech items, which I need for my work. If I weren't (literally) weighed down by that, I might also be able to go super duper ultralight! Good for you :-)
I’ve done a lot of travelling with that pacsafe hip pack/sling, it’s way bigger than I realised when I bought it online so I was a bit anxious using it at airports at first. I was amazed they let me through with it, then I realised it must be considered clothing. Stuffed full it’s almost handbag-sized, and can fit tablets, books, a 500ml water bottle, all sorts of stuff. I also use ALL the pockets, redistribute weight to my personal item and always wear my boots and coat or hoodie. Having said all that, it can be a massive pain to travel this way so if you can manage to just bring less stuff, you’ll be the smug one in the end. BTW I always found BA baggage rules amazing, 23kg for both the carry on and personal item, it’s practically no limit at all! This encourages me to fly short haul with them where possible cos I cba with all the hassle.
The airlines are nickel and diming us to death with the charges for carry on and checked luggage. Then, there's the matter of seat comfort. If you are more than 6' tall, you can hardly fit in the seats and forget about putting any carry on under the seat in front of you. On my last flight, I had a bit more room, but I was right in front of the lavatories. I heard flushing through the flight. I also had a very hard seat. I have to bring a cushion to sit on for long flights. Things are not getting better.
The cushion is a great idea - some seats can be uncomfortable, and some airlines don'e even supply pillows any more (which formerly made decent cushions).
I once flew JETSTAR in Australia. In the waiting lounge, they came around with scales to weigh everyones personal item TOGETHER WITH their carry on luggage. If together they exceeded 7kg - $60 fine. Everyone got slugged the $60. I’ve never flown with them again.
Yes...and no. If planes crashing were the reason airlines impose weight limits on luggage, I believe they would be weighing passengers too. And some airlines that use very small planes, do exactly that! But on large planes, I think it's a cash grab, not a safety measure.
@@NoraDunn The amount of weight is far less of a safety issue (commercial planes are grossly overpowered) than where the weight is located in the arcraft. It's called weight and balance.
@@molonlabe9602 Is weight and balance not a safety issue? I thought it ultimately was; if the plane isn't properly balanced it won't get off the ground - that's my understanding.
@@SuperDflower Exactly. On small planes they are, but large planes are ridiculously overpowered to begin with. Overall passenger distribution is dealt with through the check-in process (they only allow certain seats to be booked depending on what seats are taken), but passenger weight is not regarded.....hence I don't believe weighing cabin bags is about safety. It's about money.
I now travel with personal item only. Airlines have strict carryon limits, but no personal item weight limits. Scottevest vests and jackets can carry lots of weight, like your laptop and electronics.
I have a travel vest with many pockets and fill it up. Also great to just take off the vest at security and don't need to empty so many things out of my carry on
Good tips but I would like to add the following: 1- Online check in may not be always possible. Sometimes an airline would not let you do OLCI. They just want to check that your travel documents are in order. 2- BTW, even when OLCI is allowed, a passenger may encounter a bag check/weigh in at the gate. 3- Not all airlines allow a personal item.
No.2 correct. I was waiting to board a flight a few months back and they had staff roaming around weighing luggage. I was a little concerned cos my bag (pre-weighed) was only just under the weight limit. Fortunately they seemed to be targeting ppl with suitcases. I had a backpack which was visibly under the carryon dimensions so they literally stepped over me heading to someone else
I use a backpack as a personal item and I am usually within the measurements. One thing I do now is I use flexible eyeglass cases(only a few bucks from Amazon or Wish) wth hooks that attach to the zippers on my BP. I stash all sorts of little things in them and no one has ever stopped me.
YES! Attaching things to the outside of your backpack rarely gets you stopped. Some backpacks (like this one: ua-cam.com/video/4T4FMyU3B0Q/v-deo.html) have straps for exactly that purpose.
Also, if you come close to plane departure, the airline agents will make you check-in your carryon, even you have pre-checked your carryon and luggage, so make sure you have a lock on it upon arrival.
I was just looking up carry-on baggage rules for Delta yesterday! :) Dimensions must not exceed 45 linear inches (L+W+H) or 22"x14"x9" including wheels and handles. There's no weight limit (at least as of 19Apr23) except for Singapore, Beijing, and Shanghai.
I haven't traveled with anything but carryons in years. I always check in online and have never had a bag weighed (Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can access your boarding pass. I always pack like my carry-on might be checked, as I have been on smaller planes where they made me check it. There have been a few times recently when they've asked for volunteers to check their bags at the gate and I've done that - no fees and I didn't have to struggle to get my bag into the overhead bin. On one of the flights I didn't even have to go to baggage claim since they unloaded gate-checked bags for pick-up as we deplaned.
My standard packing for international trips is a 10kg limit all-in with personal items included, although I have had to wear a jacket onboard. The 'in-style' aspect of your luggage contents may suffer, if your packing this way, and going for a variety of activities/climate conditions.
I normally fly internationally ,but had a flight within the USA a few months ago. I personally witnessed every carry on bag at the boarding gate was checked by a Frontier employee. I estimated Frontier collected $2500 at the gate for bags that were oversized that passengers thought they could sneak through. Life is good
Wow! I've never had to pay for a gate-checked bag. But it stands to reason. Rule #1: stay within the airline's guidelines! (Rule #2: if you fly with a budget airline, be prepared for anything - including extra charges)
I have a square cube carry on that fits underneath the seat, I pack it with clothes, and then once in flight, I slide it out and use it as a foot rest. It slides back under really quick when needed. My legs are just a tad short to reach the ground.
One trick on international flights is to buy a duty free bulky item, and put excess stuff in the large duty free shop bag. But I also feel if we all stayed within the rules it would be a better world. An analogy; we could use our hotel internet to download movies and their electricity to charge car batteries, but morally should we?
It would make more sense if they added an *entire* weight limit: your body plus all your luggage needs to be under a certain weight...that would be extremely controversial, but when it comes down to it, what costs more (or less) for the airline is how much weight they're lifting, total.They also need the weight limits on checked baggage are to reduce worker injuries
I agree, Barbaradace. If logic ruled the world, on boarding the airline would start with the window seat passengers and then the passengers next to them, ending with the aisle seats. So no blocked aisle as people struggle to put their bags in the lockers. But logic isn't always a consideration.Why do people stand at rock concerts, forcing everyone to stand?
I think it would be easier if they loaded the back 5 rows first, then the next 5 etc. Load from the back, unload from the front. No one is going to put up their overhead bags before reaching their seat.
I have a smaller pillow case and i put my mac pac down long coat in it with a Merino jumper, pants, shirt ,underwear and socks = change of clothes . I use it to put behind my back on the plane and use my cabeau neck pillow that connects to the back of the seat. I get away with it as i bring a letter-from my doctor to say i need this pillow support with a potable little tens machine to use to treat back pain. I either use that set up or use tiger balm for my back on the plane which that isn’t pleasant for other passages. So they always let me through. I have never used a full pillow.
Hi, thanks for the video! Maybe you have mentioned this in another video, but in case not, I'll mention it here: I like to have a bottle of cold water to drink at the gate or on the plane, but I don't want to buy a bottle at the airport. This is difficult, since you can't bring bottles of water through security. Liquids & gels are, as we know, limited to 3 ounces. Solids, however, are allowed - so I freeze a bottle half full of water. That is allowed through security. After passing through security, I then fill it with water at a water fountain. Now I have a full bottle of ice cold water!
Great tip! Though apparently sometimes security scrutinizes frozen things. I'm personally not picky about having ice cold water, so I just go through security with an empty bottle and I fill it on the other side. Some of the water fountains for filling bottles kick out some pretty cold water too!
When you approach the boarding area check to see whether there is any weighing machines, if there are no weighing machines you don't have to use any particular strategy except don't carry a ridiculously large bag.
Hello Nora, None of these tips work for Air France at Terminal 2 at Paris CDG airport. In October 2022, I flew from Paris CDG to Krakow (via Amsterdam). I by passed the check-in counter, since I only have small carry-on suitcase and a laptop. The gate agent at the security line stopped and weighted BOTH my carry-on suitcase and my personal item (my laptop). Yes, BOTH and it totaled 12 kgs, he kicked me out of the line and forced me to Air France counter to check in my carry on bag and the fee 55 Euros. Unbelievable.
They also normally make exception for even very overweight carry-on if it's filled with electronics and gadgets with batteries. Laptop, drones, camera gear, gimbal, powerbanks etc.
Thanks for this valuable information. I've had a horrible experience with carry on baggage being targeted clumsily for bribery. They delay and threaten vulnerable passengers at all the points you mentioned like check in, security, gates. In fact a security staff patted me down and asked what was in my pocket. I put my dirty bloomers in my pocket when I washed up, you can remove them if you want.😏 A staff from a different airline offered assistance at check in and inssisted on weighing our carry on baggage against my choice and my airline threatened to block us from flying due to a couple extra kilos. They kept shouting that until I dumped my beautiful fabric purchases and traveled with practicaly empty bag. Consistent with what you said, I should have tucked them into a pillow case as nobody cared about pillows. I was confused that the manager threatened me at every point and tried to snatch my purse as I pushed past him and boarded. In other countries, they would come out and ask for money or a gift. I left behind many times more than any gift or bribe.💔
Funny airlines started worrying about personal items weight only after they began charging for the extra pound. That’s why they established a weight limit for checked bags back in the day when checking your bags was included in your plane ticket, and people were able to bring whatever they wanted inside the cabin (within reason). Now they charge for everything
Air Canada has started this for international departures as I discovered last month flying to the US. My solution? Got in line behind a big family and used them for my distraction and just bypassed the screening. Got lucky I guess!
Recently returning to US From Israel the EL AL check in lady allowed me to accept some weight on my checked bag as a kindness to the girl in my tour group whose bag was overweight. No problem to me and saved her some bucks.
I have a lovely jacket with lots of large pockets that I could stuff things into. I haven't had to use it, but its nice to know it is available. Our last trip from Rome, Italy (pre-COVID) they made everyone go to the counter to have their carryons weighed.
@@NoraDunn I remember we booked the flight through Delta.....I'm pretty sure it was actually a Delta flight and not a code share. But with Rome, the rules can change minute by minute! :)
I like to make sure to have space and spare weight for my outbound flight because I know I'll buy some stuff on my destinations. This is a must unless I'm planning on buying extra luggage or to check in my luggage on the way back.
I’ve been called out by airline personnel for wearing a hip bag. Three times I have been flagged for it; they called it a personal item and I had to find a way to squeeze it in to my personal item bag. Twice with American Airlines, and once with Southwest. I now wear a very slim profile sling, under a cardigan sweater. Anything to avoid it being seen.
When I see a 747 with a Shuttlecraft strapped to its back, I can't help wondering about "overweight" baggage. But as for the pillow....I never travel anywhere without mine. I've occasionally stuffed my jacket into the case too.
I only take 1pr extra shoes and leave jewellery, makeup,and fancier clothes at home. I am travelling to see, learn and do new adventures not to impress anyone. I'll never see any of those people again, and they will not remember or care what I wore.
I just returned from a trip. I packed carryon and personal item only for a 9 day trip. My suitcase was just over 30lbs. (WestJet, no weight restrictions) I was able to lift it myself. What is frustrating is the person travelling with a carryon suitcase, a laptop bag, a backpack and a purse. I will try a convertible waist pack/sling bag next time. I also read that jackets, hats and umbrellas can also be brought onboard in addition to the other carryon allowance.
Good info. I have a backpack that even when reasonably full still meets the personal item dimensions to go under the seat. For now my Air Canada European flights have no carry on weight restrictions only that you be able to hoist it into the overhead bin yourself. I use the smart tag baggage trackers in my carry on in the (upsetting?) event that if it gets gate checked because the airlines are not enforcing sizing rules then I have a clue where it is. You may avoid gate checks by paying for pre-selection of your seat at least at the start of your trip and picking forward as possible seats, then hope you board before the masses for better chance of overhead bins.
Lufthansa weighed my carry on luggage AT THE GATE and made me check it (thankfully free of charge). The limit was 8kg and it was a little over 10kg. This happened september 2024 in Heathrow, London.
Some commenters have said that, recently, many airlines were requiring your pillow or blanket be within your carry-on or personal item; they were no longer allowing them as a freebie.
You didn't point out that Air Canada has an unusual size limit. The longest dimension is only 21.5 inches and almost all other US carriers have that limit as 22 inches. I have looked around and it is hard to find a bag that meets the Air Canada limit exactly. If they are being strict then almost any carry on bag could be required to be checked.
@@NoraDunn I haven't flown with them yet. I was just noticing that because I am planning a trip to Canada this summer and want to make sure that I don't get hit with too many extra fees. They also say that they have automated no touch sizers before security at Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto airports. Their web site says that there is no weight limit but that you must be able to easily store your bag in the overhead bin without assistance. Also as others have pointed out medical devices are allowed as carry on at all times in addition to any limits. You may be able to put something small in there as well such as a phone or ipad.
Samsonite has a carry-on that they make specifically for the European market. It is only 7.5" wide and I think 21.5" tall. It was called the Magnum Eco.
Air Canada doesn't have a weight limit for carry on baggage per se but it does say that you have to be able to put it in the overhead bin unassisted. You would have to look up the info for the airline you're going to fly. United is the same that there isn't a weight limit on carry on baggage.
Apparently that is changing. Another viewer told me that Air Canada now weighs bags if you're flying out of Montreal. I don't know this for sure; I was simply told this.
I have done all your hacks! Thanks for the reminder since it's been a while since I travel. Once my carry on didn't fit in the meassuring frame and the attendant was insisting that I return to the check desk and check the carry-on bag and pay for a check-in bag!!! In front of her I took out the books that were in a side pocket and held then in my arm and the bag fit perfectly well. She looked so angry!!!
2024 UPDATE! Airlines are cracking down. Some of the strategies in this video won't work. Watch this to learn more: ua-cam.com/video/yLDz-ttaf20/v-deo.htmlsi=GTMTj3rJb1mBivr9
One piece of advice I've taken to hearth is, Lay out all the items and the amount of money you think you'll need. Then put back half the items and double the money.
I love your idea!
😂😂😂
That made me smile! Very good advice. I usually overpack.
Yep….my strategy is to travel as light as possible…one suitcase in the hold…..and just my sling bag….no hassles and stress trying to find a space where a greedy selfish person has unloaded half of their wardrobe in several rucksacks and carry on bags….for me, if I need something extra, I’ll buy it…..if I really do need it, which I won’t, oh and either laundry your clothes yourself or use the hotel laundry…..or….hehe….travel business class and not give a hoot…..the latter I know I’ll never afford…..
@@karlhoward2737👍 likewise, I always pack light, check the bag even if it’s carry on size, so I’m not fighting for locker space, and take more than enough money to cover buying cheap clothes etc if the bag is delayed,
I went to France last summer and I wore three light summer dresses on my flight there so I could have extra clothes. It work pretty good because it kept me warm on the plane. Safe and fun travel to everyone
Great tip!
A few years ago I was traveling to China for a teaching contract that would last several months. You would be amazed at how many clothes I had on. 😅
LOL!!
Wouldn't you need to remove them before passing throught the body scan ? And then put them back in your suitcase ?
@@steph9123 please share if you found the answer
I met a well travelled lady who adopted a different strategy. She travelled underweight. On arrival at her destination she would go to an Op shop and get a new wardrobe. Upon leaving the destination she would donate any unwanted clothes back to the Op shop. Heavy things like winter clothing was always uppermost in her mind. Everybody wins.
I think that's a fantastic strategy - that is, where op shops (second hand stores) are available. Which unfortunately isn't everywhere.
I'm going to pack clothes that I plan on donating or that have holes etc to wear on the trip then donate or dispose of them before returning so that new clothes or souveneirs that I buy won't impact the weight as much
If you have money to donate.
That’s exactly what I did the first time I flew to England. I under-packed. AND all my underpinnings were my oldest ones. I washed a couple times there because we were on a three week trip, but in the end, I just disposed of the old items and had plenty of room for new things I had gotten in England and France.
@@amyg3525So, you walked around your whole trip with old granny panties on? Yuk
Hip packs are *also* sometimes considered a "personal item" versus an item of apparel. I wore my Travelon Mini Metro bag-much smaller than the one you showed-around my waist for a flight last February and because it wasn't hidden by my jacket (oops), the Alaska Airlines gate staff insisted it had to be put in my actual personal item...fortunately, it fit. So the moral of the story is: wear your hip pack around your waist AND zip up your jacket to hide it before boarding.
Ha - good tip, Barbara! I've had purses/slings/hip packs that some airlines have made me cram into my personal item bag. Like you, thankfully it fit.
Another commenter here mentioned swinging the hip pack around so it's at the back; less likely airline staff will notice it!
Results vary, American Airlines has never blinked at mine
I wear an extra large hoodie and just hide my small crossbody bag underneath. Never have any issues.
True American airlines at both our second leg in Philadelphia band then again in San Diego they counted hipster personal items. I zipped up my coat and got through but they didn't let u board with this, backpack and roller luggage
So what you’re saying is if you hide it from view, you won’t have any problems, lol? That’s obviously how things work. If you hide problems, people won’t know about them, lmao
EDIT: This is no longer a dependable tactic; use at your own risk! They may want to see a current receipt for the contents of the bag. Another trick: get the largest store-branded shopping bag from common airport vendors (like Starbucks or Hudson News) and keep it with your carry-on for future use, since airlines don't count items you bought in the airport, they don't count the contents of airport vendor bags against your personal item or carry on allowance. This can give you a few more crucial liters of volume...and they don't weigh them, either. I've collected about 6 bags from airport vendors, and check the airports I'll be using to see which bags I should bring
I've heard of this being done before! Glad it works for you.
Question though: this won't help you get around scrutiny the check-in desk, will it? Only at the gate, right?
Security doesn’t care about your bags so long as there are no restricted items, too many fluids. TSA doesn’t work for your airline.
@@NoraDunn you can always say it’s food
The more bags I have the more likely I will lose or forget some.
Just be sure that all these extra bags you're carrying do not encroach into your neighbor's seat space.
Last year we flew Qatar airlines with a 15 pound carry-on weight limit. And they did weigh them! We met the goal with careful packing and wearing jackets with big pockets (holding camera and electronics). Also we donated some of our clothing before returning home to make room for souvenirs, including our extra pair of shoes. Don’t put books in luggage and try to pack only one pair of lightweight shoes. Weigh everything!
I plan on doing this when I go on my cruise in September. I will be leaving Orlando to NYC, spend a few days there then embark on my cruise. I am packing some gently used clothes to wear while in NYC since I'll mostly be relaxing in my hotel room. I will then donate those clothes and leave room for some souvenirs.
Great tips Louise!
That's a great strategy to donate stuff you don't want to use any more - especially if you need room for souvenirs! ;-)
@@stacythomas1587 We stayed in a Marriott hotel in Cairo, Egypt where they had a special container for guests to donate used clothing! I wish more hotels would do this. I usually offer our gently-used clothing to the lower-paid workers, in addition to the usual tips.
@@louisevillegas6739 I can't buy shoes in Barcelona,cso beautiful and high quality but the sale person said it's not a good idea buying shoes when traveling international because your feet change size by walking a lot daily. They honestly cannot help with the sale. I learned from that. The time I got on the return plane, both my legs don't show any veins!!! Beautiful as waxed.
Personally, my hack re avoiding overweight penalties at the counter is to weigh all my pieces beforehand and adjust the distribution in the comfort of my own home. We have a small luggage scale which we take with us to ensure we’re underweight for the return trip.
I need to add a luggage scale to my entourage. It's super helpful to make sure everything's properly allocated prior to the airport trip. Thanks!
Me too, I never travel without my scale.
Same. That scale has saved me (and several of my friends).
That just takes up more room and weight in the bags.
@@SirenaSpades That's why I don't have one, though at times it might have given me some peace of mind. That said, I don't even think airport scales are all that accurate....
I frequently travel internationally for up to six weeks at a time and have several times used the pillow trick. I once folded & rolled a pair of bulky blue jeans, a hoodie, and my down puffy jacket and slid the resulting fat roll into a pillowcase. I then tucked the pillowcase ends in!
No one has ever batted an eye.
Fantastic! I think I'm adding a pillowcase to my packing list. :-)
Every seat should have its own, dedicated overhead slot. If your bag doesn’t fit, check it. Problem solved.
I have another hack that I have personally used successfully...
I got my mother to slit the inside lining of my bodywarmer jacket from shoulder to shoulder and then stitch in a pillow case inside...
The result is I can easily carry on my laptop and even charger and cables in the pockets and then just carry the jacket thru security and onto the plane.
They never question bulky jackets...
Slick move! I like it.
I think you're on the money with this one I do a similar thing after all my years of travel I think this is the number 1 best tip for hiding carryon weight.
Bunch of tightwads and skinflints.... you can go on vacation, but your are creating secret spots for chapstick and tampons. Howe desperate are you?
Great strategies, Nora! In addition to a pillowcase, I will be wearing a travel vest with 18 pockets and put all my heavy items in that.
Another ScotteVest customer, I see...? ;-)
Great idea!
@@barbaradace7952 You bet!
@@NoraDunn I totally agree, I never travel without my Scott e vest. Amazing what I can fit inside all of the pockets. And as a bonus, when going through security all valuable items are already inside the vest; just slip it off for TSA X-ray.
I never thought of the multiple pockets, but super idea 😊😊😊
I had an inflatable neck pillow with a bladder that died, so now I roll up my light down jacket inside the zipped fleece cover. That provides a comfy neck pillow on the plane AND a warm jacket (if needed) at my destination and it does not take up space in my luggage. It's a great solution!
Very smart!
My personal strategy to avoid carry-on baggage fees is to... carry less stuff. I haven't used a full sized suitcase that has to be checked in decades. I travel with a small carry-on suitcase which is often only half full and a small backpack that can fit under the seat in front of me. I found that the more I carry, the less enjoyable the trip is. Minimalism is where it is at. A few versatile clothing items and enough socks and underwear is all I need.
Very good! Terrific travel packing.
Harder for winter travel tho
@@susie9893 True!
Less stuff is perfect for warm weather traveling. And going commando will help save space also
I travel for my business. Each of my three bags weight between 30 & 60 pounds (domestic only flights).
I've mentioned this in the comments of other of your videos so apologies for repeating this, but we had the same experience a few months ago with carry-on weight limits on an international trip. I booked everything through Delta but only the first leg was actually on Delta from a US airport but the second leg was on its partner Air France from CDG in Paris.
No problems leaving the US other than having to shift a couple of things between suitcases during check-in as Delta has no carry-on weight limits on international flights. But when it was time to fly out of Paris, we found out that Air France had a strictly enforced 12kg max policy for everything you were going to bring into the cabin with you COMBINED, so your carry-on, personal item and anything else you weren't carrying on your person had to be under that limit. And, of course, we were each over.
We had to go through that several times, continually shifting things around, until we finally managed to stuff just enough into our pockets and wear enough clothes to make it through to security. And even then we were still slightly over so I think they either took pity on us or were tired of seeing us. We almost missed the flight because of this. We even tried to check in our carry-ons but by then the counters had closed for our flight. Worst travel experience ever and we've had plenty.
So, yes, absolutely, be mindful of checked and carry-on size and weight limits, and realize that many airlines and airports consider everything you bring on board and aren't wearing or carrying on your person to be part of that limit and not just the actual carry-on bag, and put as much as you can in your checked luggage if you have any, even going a bit over the limit as you can always remove things if they aren't willing to check it in without a penalty.
Thanks for sharing your story! I hope it helps fellow viewers and travelers.
Not till you’ve had the dogs on your luggage!
Yes! Great hacks, and yes, I've succeeded with the pillow case hack. However, it was a pillow/blanket combo that I used. Took the blanket out, replaced it with an entire outfit. Worked just fine!
Nice one!
Just to say it: some airlines put the personal items bag on their scales. So it doesn't help to put heavy things there in and be happy that the cabin luggage is in the limits. Be always careful and check the actual restrictions of the airline. And key for travels without luggage troubles is: don't carry too much of stuff with you, especially not if you go for a longer trip. Almost everything can be purchased at your destination, and in many cases it is even cheaper to purchase the items (like e.g. cosmetics, clothes, flipflops, electronics etc.) there.
My little hack: I travel mostly in cargo pants. Not latest fashion, but useful, especially when you are 'just so' over the limit.
Items like power banks, smartphones, smaller tablets, chargers, brief cases with coins, cables or a pack of 200 g of Haribos etc. are not only fast and easily at hand when you need them, if you put them in these cargo pockets, but their weight is also not in your luggage. For easy handling, you can put even plenty of small items like keys, coins, usb sticks, adapters etc. in a zip bag and put this bag in your cargo pocket instead of keeping all these little things loosely in your pocket.
Important side aspect: Once you are seated you can remove everything from your pockets for more comfort, and store it (again) in your cabin luggage or personal items bag, or put it in any collapsible tote or daypack you brought with you. Since nobody cares how many bags you have once you are sitting in the plane.
Great strategy! I'm all for it. Pockets are winners all around.
@@NoraDunn absolutely.
And you don't have to invest plenty of money, there is no need to purchase special travel trousers which cost triple amount of standard cargo pants. Any simple cargo trousers will do the job as well.
Might not always look top fashion style, but your not-so-dernier-cri look works even better, if you combine the cargos with a sloppy oversized T-shirt or sweater, under which you can comfortably hide your hip bag with even more heavy stuff inside ... 🤣
I don't travel much, so just so I understand. Do you fill your pockets AFTER going through TSA?
@@DianaLynn45 yes.
You have to empty all your pockets for TSA. That's also one of the reasons why it makes sense to have smaller items together in a plastic bag instead of simply filling your pockets - you just take the bag out and done.
But if I do have to go first to the airline's counter before going to TSA I do it of course already before going to that counter.
See, if you want to reduce the weight of your cabin luggage since you are over the limits, you have to reduce it in case the airline checks the weight of said luggage. That can happen at two points: 1) at the check-in counter (the airline's counter you have to go for checking in your luggage and getting your boarding pass) and 2) at the gate (that's the waiting area/entrance gate from where you board the airplane).
Meanwhile many airlines do online boarding (you go into your airline's webpage and get your boarding pass there and have to print it out or store it on your mobile phone), and some have also machines at the airport to check your check-in-luggage in. That means it is all self service at the airport and you don't have to go to any counter before going to TSA. So if you wish you can keep items like power banks or smartphone etc. in your luggage, remove it for TSA and then put it either back in your cabin luggage or in your whatever other pockets.
But if you have to go first and before you go to TSA to the counter, where also your cabin luggage might be put on the scales, it makes obviously sense to get some overweight out of your luggage ... ;-)
In former times relatively unknown, it happens meanwhile much more often, that cabin luggage is checked at the gates. So after TSA and before you enter the plane, your cabin luggage might be checked again.
That happens usually when they have plenty of passengers coming from other flights (so called transit passengers which do not leave the airport but just walk from one airplane to the next), or when most of the passengers use automats for checking in their luggage and/or getting boarding pass, what happens at more and more airports internationally, depending on the airline.
Means also when you have to change your airplane in between your travel, it makes lot of sense to keep your cabin luggage inside the norms - since they might check it again when you board the next airplane.
So for example, if you would travel from New York, USA via Frankfurt, Germany to Delhi, India, Your cabin luggage might be checked in New York as well as in Frankfurt for its weight and dimensions, before you can enter the airplane.
Usually they do first an optical check, and if you carry a small rucksack which doesn't look very heavy they never tell anything, even if it is in fact filled with lead and heavy as hell. But if you come with your typical one year around the world traveler's Osprey Farpoint kind of rucksack, stuffed like a cargo container from China, and you are obviously bended under the weight like a question mark, they will surely ask you kindly to put your things on the scales. But they don't ask you to stand yourself there on top... 🤣
But as I said already: key of staying out of any luggage troubles is to take not too much with you. Minimalism is key, also on travels.
@@DianaLynn45 Yes, and no! You can fill the pockets of a jacket or vest with your valuables, because you will have to take that jacket off to clear security (TSA). That way, all your valuables are in one place.
Because you need to empty all pockets of clothing that you are wearing before you walk through the body scanner, whilst your bags (and your jacket with pockets full of your wallet, phone, etc) goes through the xray.
Last Christmas my husband and I went on a week vacation using a personal item only. We got some packing packs and vacuum bags and filled it. It worked great!! I will travel this way from now on.
Wow - personal items only? Nice one!
@@NoraDunn Brilliant, I did it for 4 days, lightclothes in a packing cube in my handbag to fit under the seat carried a book and water bottle with camera in my jacket pocket another bonus was no luggage to worry about or carry, I'll try it for a week next!
@@pipfield1901 Nice one!!
How do you use vacuum bags on return flight?
@@jeringjering speak to the hotel cleaner.
Never been so glad to have to carry a CPAP! I found a small tote, JUST a wee bit larger than my unit and hose, but with room for my iPad mini, headphones, and electronics bag. Cuz a CPAP device is medical (and I found a nifty tag that I can put on the bag for easy identification), the bag doesn't count towards my personal item or carryon limitation. Score!
Do you mind sharing the tag you found for your CPAP machine??
And a link to the bag you purchased?
Interesting logic. I’d rather not have sleep apnea and need a CPAP than have the “perk” of using an extra bag.
@@DillyDahlia yes, that would be preferred.
@@MyHealth2012 Sorry, it was a small tote from Lipault but have not seen it in years.
I have a checked bag. I have one duffle carry-on. I have a crossbody, but I stuff it in the carry-on until I'm on the plane. The dimensions are within limits and the weight is usually light.
I actually used the pillow trick unintentionally... Not reduce weight but to reduce bulk carrying on. I made a zippered fancy pillow case about 8"x8" and stuffed my poofy quilted 3/4 length jacket into it. Worked great as a pillow and didn't have to stick it in the overhead. Then whipped it out as a blanket flying over the north ATLANTIC.
Awesome!
We did the same! Puffer jacket/vest, sweaters, etc anything really soft. Hated lugging around a “stuffed” one so we made our own 😂
The pillow case does work. I travel with my "pillow" all the time 😊
And wearing 2 pairs of jeans, that are heavy in a suitcase
@@ducharmefrance Have you really worn 2 pairs of jeans on the plane? At the same time? I have worn multiple tops, sweaters, jackets, but not layers of jeans. lol
Terrific videos on this complicated subject. I've been studying them in preparation for my upcoming trip. The 'wearing it' rule may not be that new. During the Spanish colonial period in the Americas any jewelry, (gold) you were wearing when you landed Spain wasn't taxed upon arrival, so people had huge heavy gold chains made so they could wear them when they disembarked.
Ooh - great trivia! Thanks :-)
So this is why Mexicans love chains. (I’m Mexican, chains rule)
I tend to buy an expensive jewelry item as souvenir if I found something I like. It lasts longer and no issue bringing it back. I only bring thin items like linen, cotton, and merino; no extra shoes or coat. I wear my coat, heavier jumper/hoody, and put battery bank, charger, camera, etc. in pockets. I also don’t bring liquid, just a bar of soap for everything and coconut oil for skin and hair. I stage cake foundation mixed with coconut oil to lightly cover my face plus a tiny trio of neutral shadows, a brow pencil, and one lip color. Basically what I really need fits into a weekender. I love wearing hats, scarves, and duster/poncho. They change the outfit and small enough to fit into handbag. I wear my poncho/ruana/puffer vest over my coat to avoid packing them.
You are a true ultralight traveler! Well done! I like your style :-)
Make a video!!
They make a “camping” pillow case that is designed for this purpose. It has a fold over opening that keeps the contents from falling out. Works great, but it’s not as big as a regular pillow case. Having said that, I think your idea is one that sounds great on paper but might be difficult to put into practice. How do you keep the pillow case closed when it’s got stuff in it?
I wear a LARGE photographers vest. It has 17 pockets. If necessary I can pack 2 weeks worth of stuff in it. And for sure it counts as wearable. I also bring a waterproof sealable bag when I wear the vest. When I get on the plane, I might want to take the vest off, or off load some of the contents for comfort. I put those items in the bag, close it up, and use it as a pillow. I can also use the vest at my destination for carrying items. The waterproof bag also comes in handy for dirty laundry. I started doing this when we first started flying Allegiant which was where we first encountered these new rules about baggage. My wife liked it so much, she started using one of my old vests, it only has 12 pockets but she can get it pretty full!
Very clever with the vest, then offloading the vest contents into a packable bag after clearing security!
As for keeping a regular pillowcase closed, just use one with a zipper! :-)
Hello Nora, I’m a new subscriber and I have to give my Opinion that might be different from most others here. I am 72 and an experienced traveler. I would rather have a checked bag with a tracker then go through the packing and wearing all my clothes to save a few bucks. A sidenote is that my cane is not Counted as a personal item but has to be stored in the overhead bin unless it can be disassembled. I’m going to Europe in a few months with my partner. I have one checked bag that’s free He has a backpack. I’m bringing n osprey cinch daypack and a purse. I once fell in the airport with a carry-on and my cane. Never again. I enjoy your channel. Aloha from Hawaii
Thanks for weighing in, Marilyn! I agree, there are times when it's just better to check a bag. I'm not the sort of person who militantly believes carry-on is the only way...by any stretch. Your situation is one of many perfect examples why checking a bag is the way to go.
It’s super important to check each individual airlines’ rules and pack for the most restrictive one. I found out to my dismay last night that not only does SAS have a 8kg weight limit for the carry-on, but a fairly small size (no weight listed) limit on your personal item. I was up late cancelling the heavier carry-ons I’d ordered in favor of the lightest ones I could get and ordering backpacks that met the 40x30x15 cm personal item limit. We will be leaving Atlanta in summer and flying above the arctic circle, so all our heaviest clothing items will be on our bodies because with three different flights each way, we will NOT be checking bags!
Wow - traveling to the Arctic with carry-on luggage only is a major feat! Good for you.
7kg for Fiji was a shock!
For the pillowcase hack, make sure to use a liner on the inside, pack the items (preferably clothes) in the liner, then put a pillow case on top (with the zipper placed on the inside part of the cover). They have started to question these "pillows " 😂 And it shouldn't be a very large pillow......a friend of mine had to open hers up to prove it.
Oh that's interesting! Good tip with the liner.
A pillowcase full of clothes is an unusual item to carry and because of this and it's size it is likely to be weighed. I can almost guarantee that it will be over the maximum 2 kg for personal items on many airlines.
You can buy an unstuffed U-shaped neck pillow with a zipper to stuff extra clothes.
When I used to fly as a rep, I would leave my heavy items in my Avis rental car at the airport but not turn the keys into Avis. I would then take my empty carry on bag to the check in where it would be weighted. After that, I returned to the Avis car, loaded up my carry on bag and turned in my keys to the Avis company and boarded the aircraft. Worked every time.
Ooh - very sneaky!
But if you checked in they would normally take your bag
@colleenedgett3196 it was the carry on bag being weighed, not the check in luggage.
I use the“Tube”travel pillow stores clothes and provides neck and lumbar support. You get neck and lumbar support plus additional storage with no additional baggage fees. Clips to your carry on, around your waist and your neck. Slim, nimble and easy to use, the Tube packs in its own pocket then fits handily into yours. I can fit a full set of clothes for a day plus pajamas in my tube.
Nice! Thanks for sharing!
Rather than a pillow case, I use a pair of microfibre tights, slide one leg into the other, and stuff it with my packing cube of socks and underwear - and any other soft items. I tie the ends into a nice donut which looks a lot like, but actually works better than, those neck pillows. It also easily ties onto the handle of my bag. Once at my destination, the packing cube goes back in my bag, along with a pair of tights that I can wear on my trip. Heading off on a four week, four country trip with an 18lb max carry on. I hate having to shlep around a neck pillow, even though I like having something for the overnight cross Atlantic flight. Kills two birds with one stone.
Wow , Heather! I've never heard of this one before! Brilliant!
Two hacks. 1) Some airlines count a neck pillow as carryon. Instead, buy an inexpensive neck brace (medical). It's less expensive than a neck pillow, works better for sleeping/resting, and it's always allowed as a medical device. Also, you can sometimes board early. 2) This is slightly cheating, but if you're in the third or later boarding group, you may be told that there's not enough overhead bin space and you'll have to gate check your bag. They are always extra conservative on overhead space estimates, so if you are in the third boarding group and if they tag your bag to leave it at the end of the jetway, just remove the tag and carry your bag on board. I've done this twice in the last 3 years and there's always been sufficient space in the overhead bins. Don't try this if you're in the last boarding group!
Wow - super interesting hacks! Thanks!
I take the foam out of my travel pillow and stuff it with underwear and t-shirts etc. if I'm just taking a personal underseat bag on Frontier. I've also stuffed a USPS flat rate envelope with clothing and mailed it ahead so it would be waiting at my destination if I had too much for the personal item. This doesn't work for all trips, but is great for a couple of weeks if you're staying with friends etc. and can do laundry, or even buy extra clothes at a thrift shop once you're there.
Great strategy!
@@NoraDunn Thanks!
I have a travel vest with a bunch of pockets. I can put phone, tablet, keys, comb/brush, socks, etc in it (I can get really creative) & it is almost like having an extra personal item.
Yes!! Great strategy
which travel vest do you use?
@@lawdog369 I have the Fireside fleece vest, but generally speaking anything from Scottevest is awesome: amzn.to/431fDv6
@@NoraDunn thanks. I will check that company out
@@NoraDunn unfortunately, the Scottevest doesn't have the best reviews at all. Is it still worth it considering how much stuff you can pack into the pockets? How long have you used yours, and is it holding up?
Great tips, yes the pillow case one, I did something similar, I wanted to bring my memory foam neck pillow but the thought of dragging it everywhere on my 4 month trip was not appealing. Solution I took out the memory foam, as the pillow came with a Plush, zippered cover, and filled this cover with T-shirt’s, underwear, and a jacket I ended up needing on the cold flight! It saved some weight from my carry on. It worked like a charm, and I only have to carry the neck pillow cover now…Only down side is that the comfort of the pilllow without memory foam was a bit less…
You know what? I'm not a fan of neck pillows but I love this idea.....think I'm gonna try it!
@@NoraDunn let’s us know how it works out!
I have had airline personnel tell me my fanny pack counted as a 3rd item (after my carry-on bag & personal item) and wouldn't be allowed on board. I stuffed the fanny pack into my personal item and boarded. Now I always keep my fanny pack in my personal item until takeoff! I have been on full flights where children were forced to check their (small) teddy bears before boarding!
Great point! I've noticed airlines cracking down on this; I made a more recent video about it: ua-cam.com/video/yLDz-ttaf20/v-deo.htmlsi=Hra-OxTVGbuB-OXA
My best workaround was the time I flew on Philippine Airline with a very heavy carry-on. Knowing they were strict beforehand, I took a ton of stuff out (it was quite heavy with scuba gear) and stuck it in a coin locker for around 2 dollars. I then put the now lighter bag on the scale, got the within-the-weight-limit tag put on and then went back to the locker and restuffed with the heavy items. Boarded the plane, no problem.
Sneaky!
Some airlines will require that the total weight of your carry on and person luggage total weighs X. Personal bags usually need to fit under the seat. A-Holes bring personal bags too big for the space under the seat and take up two carry on compartment spots, usually ruining the experience to another flyer to use a compartment most likely in another section.
Wear your sling under a jacket. Carry your tech and heavy items in the sling.
What airlines weigh the carry-on luggage and personal item bags together? I'd love to know - it's great info to have!
@@NoraDunn These were budget airlines between Australia Asia and around Asia. They may apply to you with budget airlines as they like to pinch you for every penny. Scoot, AirAsia and Vietjet. All of their conditions on carry on all noted that carryon + personal need to equal to weight X. Each had a different total as well, from 7-9kg which is why I had to shift weights from personal to my sling which I wore under my jacket at all times other than security check. I was only ever checked once during my itinerary at check in as there was no online check in at this particular flight, but it was a very vague check and was asked "is your carryon within weight" to which my answer was the obvious cheeky one.
@@thanhiclez Thanks for the info - super helpful!
I’ve done the pillowcase trick many times because I always bring my own pillow when I travel. Works a charm. Also, you could have a ScottE vest or jacket ….many pockets….
+1 on the Scottevest!
I have a ScottE vest, but don't like to use it - it's too ugly!
Use all those store refillable bags "strongly advised" to us as stronger bags than their paper-thin plastic bags as acceptable bags to haul "last minute" things! Another interesting thing I read recently was taking a deflated beach ball & then blowing it up onboard to use as a pillow for your lower-back or anywhere else you have a sensitive region needing cushioning!🎉🎉🎉
Somebody else mentioned the beach ball trick in one of the comments on my videos. I think it's very clever!
i have been doing the pillow hack for years.... I have a throw pillow case i put straps on the back so it can go on my suit case handle and I reinforced the zipper.... I keep a big blanket and stuff for on the plan,,,,,,, i fly southwest and they have a list of things that do not count as carry-one ...
Great hack, Nicole! Glad it works well for you.
I bought a vest that I use every trip. It has about 12 (to maybe 14 pockets) that get filled. After all it is apparel. And a hip bag, and an under the seat bag, along with the carry on.
Cool. You are a smart traveler !!! 😊
@BobbiDoll Smart! What's the name of the vest?
@@TabJoy7 brand of vest? ty
About the pillowcase hack: I've known a lot of travelers who travel with 18 nom silk pillowcases. They throw all their over clothes (jackets etc) in and sleep like babies on flights!! Plus your silk pillowcase beats most hotel pillowcases. Just remember to stow it when you leave the room.
Silk pillowcases rock! I've started using one and I love it.
Nora which brand silk pillowcase?
@@rowan5intheknow891 I got a LULU SILK pillowcase from Amazon Canada, but it doesn't seem to be available in the US. Tons of options though.
I used the pillow hack during my trip to Mexico. I flew with British Airways from Düsseldorf to Cancun. It worked!! This way I could bring a lot more clothing and use the space in the bags for other things 👍
I'm glad it worked for you! Be warned: as of this year, some airlines are catching on to this now and pillows are no longer allowed as extra. It's hit and miss as to which airlines are getting strict and where.
Firstly, I came to make a comment that someone has already made about take-off fuel and balance which I agree with but also, if people keep abusing the rules, airlines may eventually ban carry on luggage or charge for it or alternatively increase flight prices to cover the increase in fuel needed and aviation fuel is not inexpensive so if we want prices to stay as low as possible, (and I think everyone wants that) then we all need to follow the rules.
Considering how people's weights vary, I think there is quite some room for a few kg margin....
Also, they are probably nowhere near the weight limit because the hold is empty - all our bags are in the cabin! 😂 imo they created the problem by charging stiff fees for checked bags.
The airlines need to weigh the passengers and follow their OWN RULES (available on the TSA website) and force people who are unable to sit in ONE seat WITH the armrests DOWN (per airline rule), then they must buy two or three seats as needed.
@Dana Eads I've heard people doing exactly as you suggest..... buying more than one seat for themselves. However, once onboard the stewards/ stewardesses, place someone in the 'empty' seat. I'm guessing that as there are a set number of seats on each plane and the check-in desk count that there is one less passenger than there are seats, they sell the 'spare' seat thereby recreating the original problem and leaving the passanger out of pocket for the extra seat that in all good will, they paid for but are now unable to utilise. So the situation is not always the passengers fault. I'd also like to say that not all obese people are lazy and overeat. Some people have medical conditions that cause obesity or are taking prescribed medications that can cause weight increase and some have medical conditions that makes exercise difficult or impossible some people have slow metabolism which can also cause weight gain. Finally there are two conditions called lymphoedema and lipodemia, where a person might have a slim body but also have huge upper arms and/or hips, bottom, legs, and for which there is no cure. I think basically it comes down to being kind and understanding of our fellow human beings and passangers. We never know what challenges they are facing in life.
@@auzzygirl8175 I don't care if someone is obese due to a medical reason or due to a food addiction. If someone doesn't fit in an 18" wide seat, they need to buy more than one seat. They do not have the right to encroach upon my seat and create a safety and comfort issue for me. IF they purchased two seats and chose not to alert the gate agent to scan both their tickets to signify they are present and intend to use both seats, and the gate agent gave their "empty" seat to someone on standby, then those two need to work it out on board and the person on standby needs to disembark. The ticket agent and the gate agents are both at fault for failing to confront a large person and inform them they need to buy two tickets since they failed to recognize their girth or hoped that noone would say anything and they could save money. I write all this as a formerly obese person who has fought to return to a normal, healthy weight.
I think the best way to handle this is do you feel you need to put on fresh clothes every day? You check a large bag, have personal bag and possibly carryon too. Do you want to spend money at your destination not on luggage fees? Then backpack or carryon or both. Then you commit to finding laundry facilities or services or washing your things in the sink, with hotel shampoo or body wash if provided (for stays of week/+) or you pick clothing that doesn’t need frequent washing. I pack merino tops, socks and underwear (I won’t go back to cotton and never did synthetic; merino is that much better). Jeans and leggings can be worn multiple times before needing washing. Leggings are very compact, you can probably get 3 in the space jeans use. You can also use febreeze to give your clothes that just washed smell, just put it in a small travel spray bottle. I manage to fit all I need in a carry on and backpack for 10 days plus food for the transatlantic flight and snacks at destination for a couple days. I have many food allergies, tomatoes and bell peppers the most problematic as they are cheap ingredients and most used. I also can’t eat nuts or things with small seeds. Add a melon allergy and that’s most of the food offered on airplanes. So I pack food and it has come in handy for delayed meals for turbulence, when my layover meal time is eaten up by delayed flights and I’m running to board my connection or just needing to nosh to prevent hanger.
Yay for merino! I'm with you there. Thanks for sharing your strategy!
I've used the pillowcase hack before and it's great! I've started a trip in peak summer where temps are already in the 90's. My destination was much cooler where a coat or sweater would be needed. I'm not going to wear a coat or heavy sweater through the airport when it's 90° outside. Fold them neatly and stuff them in the pillowcase. Use it on the flight as an actual pillow or back support. When you reach your destination you can layer up/put your coat on and the now empty pillowcase takes up nearly no room in your carry-on.
Hi, I’m a flying novice. Do you just carry the pillowcase under your arm or how do you take it through
I just carry it under my arm
Aer Lingus insists you wear the pillow around your neck or they consider it your 1 personal item!
I have a neck pillow “case”, that has snaps on the ends, and a long zipper in the middle. I stuff it with coat or sweater, scarf, gloves, etc. zip it shut, then snap it around my carry-on handle, or, if necessary around my neck. I like traveling with a pillow, but like this idea better as it serves two purposes.
In season a large heavy down feather type coat. The long sleeves are like little duffle bags full of clothes and heavy items, pockets full also.
I think it might be a good idea to ship your bag ahead of time to the hotel. I think there is a $25 fee from the hotel. I carry stuff that I don’t plan to bring back with me, ex: old slippers, undies, tees. Instead of luggage cubes, I bring a kitchen trash bag for dirty laundry.
Good tips!
What happens when it's lost during shipping or is sent to wrong hotel?
Amazon now has a pillow case roll that you can stuff soft stuff with, and when full, will look like a travel pillow. it even has a strap for carrying it. will be using it in my travel this year
Very clever!
I sometimes wear a ScottE vest that holds all my electronics, cameras, lenses, chargers, batteries, and even iPad. Budget carrier carryon weight limits like sunwing are so low that you can hardly put anything into your rolllerboard because that case itself takes up over half of the weight allowed.
Scottevest can be very helpful in those situations!
On my upcoming trip, I'm trying something new. I got one of those neck pillows, but it's empty! I'm loading it with my jacket, rain jacket, towel and an extra set of clothes. So much room! I plan to use it as a pillow during plane and bus rides, plus I have everything I need to stay warm on a cold flight. I bought this on Amazon. I think it was less than $20.
Awesome! I hope it works well for you!
I have to disagree with being sneaky about overweight bags. Just about everyone wants or needs things in flight. An airplane has a gross take off weight. When a plane is heavy for takeoff its uses more runway for its roll to get into the air. I'd like to think a plane with a couple hundred people on board are honest about weight. I mention about a plane overweight on takeoff out of NAS that crashed into shart infested waters shortly after takeoff due to overweight. Weight is a serious factor.
As the spouse of a pilot, I can say this is 100% true.
I was curious about the various ways other UA-camrs suggest to go around the airline's limit as well.
If all the passengers do so on every single flights, doesn't that put everyone at risk?
Surely the airlines must leave a wiggle room in anticipation of passengers using tips to exceed the weight limit...right (or so I hope 🤞🏼)?
@@SmileAlwayz Well nowadays they sure do.
While I understand this, how about weight of passengers? They don't ask that at check in. My spouse weighs 300 lbs, while I weigh 150. That's a lot bigger difference than me trying to stuff an extra few pounds of stuff onto my body.
I'd like to think no children go to bed hungry every night. really!
I got around this the first (and only) time I was stopped before security to weigh AND measure my carryon. My weight was good but the length was off by half and inch. As this was my home airport (Toronto Pearson) and I’m very familiar with it, I walked towards the check in counter, then detoured to get to security another way, where thankfully no luggage police was set up. Got onto my flight no problem (they didn’t check at the gate) and my carryon fit just fine in the overhead.
Ooh - clever!
down jackets are good but pack a poncho too. i love the pillow case idea, all good tips
Bang on with the ran jacket too. In fact, I made a video about how the down jacket / rain jacket combo it the best: ua-cam.com/video/xJRMvjDR5Rc/v-deo.html
Just did a test run of putting my down jacket in pillowcase. And it’s perfect! I’ll now be using that hack!!!
Awesome!
My personal item bag was weighed before a flight from LAX to Auckland NZ. It may have been Quantas. Not sure. This was around 2014.
I think I love you. You are the only one here who has mentioned British Airways! I had a feeling they would be tough. Thanks so much!! I really want to have a carry-on and a personal items bag.
Ha! Glad you enjoyed and got value!
I travel with just an 18L backpack. I've only had it weighed once in Asia and it was way under the limit. It also fits under the seat in front of me, so I don't have to worry about overhead bins.
Wow - everything for your trip fits into an 18L backpack??? Or do you check a bag as well?
@@NoraDunn Everything fits. If it doesn't, I don't take it. I only take 1-2 outfits with me (no extra shoes) and just plan on washing in the sink at night. I also take a swimsuit and swim shirt to warm climates. The only tech I take is my phone and headphones. I use a shampoo bar for the shower and I don't wear makeup. I live fairly minimally at home, so do the same when I travel. I love being able to get off the plane, throw my backpack on my back, and be ready for any adventure without being weighed down.
@@veggirl1964 Aha! It's the lack of tech that differentiates you and I the most. My 20-25L personal item bag is predominantly filled with tech items, which I need for my work. If I weren't (literally) weighed down by that, I might also be able to go super duper ultralight! Good for you :-)
I’ve done a lot of travelling with that pacsafe hip pack/sling, it’s way bigger than I realised when I bought it online so I was a bit anxious using it at airports at first. I was amazed they let me through with it, then I realised it must be considered clothing. Stuffed full it’s almost handbag-sized, and can fit tablets, books, a 500ml water bottle, all sorts of stuff. I also use ALL the pockets, redistribute weight to my personal item and always wear my boots and coat or hoodie. Having said all that, it can be a massive pain to travel this way so if you can manage to just bring less stuff, you’ll be the smug one in the end.
BTW I always found BA baggage rules amazing, 23kg for both the carry on and personal item, it’s practically no limit at all! This encourages me to fly short haul with them where possible cos I cba with all the hassle.
I'm glad you've had good experiences with the Pacsafe sling!
Also great intel on BA - thanks!
The airlines are nickel and diming us to death with the charges for carry on and checked luggage. Then, there's the matter of seat comfort. If you are more than 6' tall, you can hardly fit in the seats and forget about putting any carry on under the seat in front of you. On my last flight, I had a bit more room, but I was right in front of the lavatories. I heard flushing through the flight. I also had a very hard seat. I have to bring a cushion to sit on for long flights. Things are not getting better.
The cushion is a great idea - some seats can be uncomfortable, and some airlines don'e even supply pillows any more (which formerly made decent cushions).
Yes, it's only getting worse. Checked baggage fees for overseas travel are outrageous now.
I once flew JETSTAR in Australia. In the waiting lounge, they came around with scales to weigh everyones personal item TOGETHER WITH their carry on luggage. If together they exceeded 7kg - $60 fine. Everyone got slugged the $60. I’ve never flown with them again.
Wow, that's awful! Thanks for the cautionary tale.
Weight limits are there for a purpose- airline safety, avoiding crashes etc
Yes...and no. If planes crashing were the reason airlines impose weight limits on luggage, I believe they would be weighing passengers too. And some airlines that use very small planes, do exactly that! But on large planes, I think it's a cash grab, not a safety measure.
@@NoraDunn The amount of weight is far less of a safety issue (commercial planes are grossly overpowered) than where the weight is located in the arcraft. It's called weight and balance.
@@molonlabe9602 Is weight and balance not a safety issue? I thought it ultimately was; if the plane isn't properly balanced it won't get off the ground - that's my understanding.
Yes but what about the weight of the passengers? How was that factored in?
@@SuperDflower Exactly. On small planes they are, but large planes are ridiculously overpowered to begin with.
Overall passenger distribution is dealt with through the check-in process (they only allow certain seats to be booked depending on what seats are taken), but passenger weight is not regarded.....hence I don't believe weighing cabin bags is about safety. It's about money.
I now travel with personal item only. Airlines have strict carryon limits, but no personal item weight limits. Scottevest vests and jackets can carry lots of weight, like your laptop and electronics.
Good one! With my laptop & tech gear, plus traveling for months at a time,. I can't swing it. But I'm totally with you in spirit :-)
I have a travel vest with many pockets and fill it up. Also great to just take off the vest at security and don't need to empty so many things out of my carry on
Exactly! Great strategy, Ashley.
Good tips but I would like to add the following:
1- Online check in may not be always possible. Sometimes an airline would not let you do OLCI. They just want to check that your travel documents are in order.
2- BTW, even when OLCI is allowed, a passenger may encounter a bag check/weigh in at the gate.
3- Not all airlines allow a personal item.
Great points!
No.2 correct. I was waiting to board a flight a few months back and they had staff roaming around weighing luggage. I was a little concerned cos my bag (pre-weighed) was only just under the weight limit. Fortunately they seemed to be targeting ppl with suitcases. I had a backpack which was visibly under the carryon dimensions so they literally stepped over me heading to someone else
@@susie9893 That's a great case for traveling with backpacks - they do tend to target people with luggage.
I use a backpack as a personal item and I am usually within the measurements. One thing I do now is I use flexible eyeglass cases(only a few bucks from Amazon or Wish) wth hooks that attach to the zippers on my BP. I stash all sorts of little things in them and no one has ever stopped me.
YES! Attaching things to the outside of your backpack rarely gets you stopped. Some backpacks (like this one: ua-cam.com/video/4T4FMyU3B0Q/v-deo.html) have straps for exactly that purpose.
I love that idea !!!!
Also, if you come close to plane departure, the airline agents will make you check-in your carryon, even you have pre-checked your carryon and luggage, so make sure you have a lock on it upon arrival.
Great tip - thanks!
I was just looking up carry-on baggage rules for Delta yesterday! :) Dimensions must not exceed 45 linear inches (L+W+H) or 22"x14"x9" including wheels and handles. There's no weight limit (at least as of 19Apr23) except for Singapore, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Thanks for the update! I realize some of the info about measurements in this video was inaccurate. I appreciate the data point!
There are neck pillows which are just empty stuff sacks so you can fill them with extra clothes or toiletries. They’re a great way to get lighter bags
Yes!
I haven't traveled with anything but carryons in years. I always check in online and have never had a bag weighed (Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can access your boarding pass. I always pack like my carry-on might be checked, as I have been on smaller planes where they made me check it. There have been a few times recently when they've asked for volunteers to check their bags at the gate and I've done that - no fees and I didn't have to struggle to get my bag into the overhead bin. On one of the flights I didn't even have to go to baggage claim since they unloaded gate-checked bags for pick-up as we deplaned.
Great tip to pack your carry-on like it will be checked. That way you aren't caught off-guard if it needs to be!
My standard packing for international trips is a 10kg limit all-in with personal items included, although I have had to wear a jacket onboard. The 'in-style' aspect of your luggage contents may suffer, if your packing this way, and going for a variety of activities/climate conditions.
That's a lean pack-job! Good for you.
I normally fly internationally ,but had a flight within the USA a few months ago. I personally witnessed every carry on bag at the boarding gate was checked by a Frontier employee. I estimated Frontier collected $2500 at the gate for bags that were oversized that passengers thought they could sneak through. Life is good
Wow! I've never had to pay for a gate-checked bag. But it stands to reason. Rule #1: stay within the airline's guidelines! (Rule #2: if you fly with a budget airline, be prepared for anything - including extra charges)
Yes...Frontier and Spirit will get you!! Travel vest for the win...
@@monique7614 Yes!
I have a square cube carry on that fits underneath the seat, I pack it with clothes, and then once in flight, I slide it out and use it as a foot rest. It slides back under really quick when needed. My legs are just a tad short to reach the ground.
Very interesting about using it as a footrest! Cool tip!
Australian airlines allow 7 kg of carry on luggage and that includes all items.
I used one of your hacks on an international flight just yesterday Nora, and glad to say it worked. Many thx 🙏
Woohoo! Which hack did you use?
One trick on international flights is to buy a duty free bulky item, and put excess stuff in the large duty free shop bag. But I also feel if we all stayed within the rules it would be a better world. An analogy; we could use our hotel internet to download movies and their electricity to charge car batteries, but morally should we?
It would make more sense if they added an *entire* weight limit: your body plus all your luggage needs to be under a certain weight...that would be extremely controversial, but when it comes down to it, what costs more (or less) for the airline is how much weight they're lifting, total.They also need the weight limits on checked baggage are to reduce worker injuries
I agree, Barbaradace. If logic ruled the world, on boarding the airline would start with the window seat passengers and then the passengers next to them, ending with the aisle seats. So no blocked aisle as people struggle to put their bags in the lockers. But logic isn't always a consideration.Why do people stand at rock concerts, forcing everyone to stand?
I think it would be easier if they loaded the back 5 rows first, then the next 5 etc. Load from the back, unload from the front. No one is going to put up their overhead bags before reaching their seat.
I have a smaller pillow case and i put my mac pac down long coat in it with a
Merino jumper, pants, shirt ,underwear and socks = change of clothes . I use it to put behind my back on the plane and use my cabeau neck pillow that connects to the back of the seat. I get away with it as i bring a letter-from my doctor to say i need this pillow support with a potable little tens machine to use to treat back pain. I either use that set up or use tiger balm for my back on the plane which that isn’t pleasant for other passages. So they always let me through. I have never used a full pillow.
Good job with the little pillow and extra clothes! Also the "it's this or tiger balm" line is a good one! Ha ha
Hi, thanks for the video! Maybe you have mentioned this in another video, but in case not, I'll mention it here:
I like to have a bottle of cold water to drink at the gate or on the plane, but I don't want to buy a bottle at the airport. This is difficult, since you can't bring bottles of water through security. Liquids & gels are, as we know, limited to 3 ounces. Solids, however, are allowed - so I freeze a bottle half full of water. That is allowed through security. After passing through security, I then fill it with water at a water fountain. Now I have a full bottle of ice cold water!
Great tip! Though apparently sometimes security scrutinizes frozen things. I'm personally not picky about having ice cold water, so I just go through security with an empty bottle and I fill it on the other side. Some of the water fountains for filling bottles kick out some pretty cold water too!
Wow !!! Great idea. THANKS
I also have to buy my water pass security. EXPENSIVE
When you approach the boarding area check to see whether there is any weighing machines, if there are no weighing machines you don't have to use any particular strategy except don't carry a ridiculously large bag.
True.
Binge watching your channel. You have great tips but also such an engaging presenting style.
Wow - thanks! :-)
Wear a hunting/fishing jacket and stuff all the pockets with heavy items, make sure the pockets have velcro or zippers.
Great idea - though I'm not a fan of the style. that's why I prefer SCOTTeVEST.
Hello Nora, None of these tips work for Air France at Terminal 2 at Paris CDG airport. In October 2022, I flew from Paris CDG to Krakow (via Amsterdam). I by passed the check-in counter, since I only have small carry-on suitcase and a laptop. The gate agent at the security line stopped and weighted BOTH my carry-on suitcase and my personal item (my laptop). Yes, BOTH and it totaled 12 kgs, he kicked me out of the line and forced me to Air France counter to check in my carry on bag and the fee 55 Euros. Unbelievable.
Holy moly! I've heard some pretty consistently awful things about CDG in general. Sorry that happened.
😮😮😮😮
They also normally make exception for even very overweight carry-on if it's filled with electronics and gadgets with batteries. Laptop, drones, camera gear, gimbal, powerbanks etc.
Good to know!
Thanks for this valuable information. I've had a horrible experience with carry on baggage being targeted clumsily for bribery. They delay and threaten vulnerable passengers at all the points you mentioned like check in, security, gates. In fact a security staff patted me down and asked what was in my pocket. I put my dirty bloomers in my pocket when I washed up, you can remove them if you want.😏 A staff from a different airline offered assistance at check in and inssisted on weighing our carry on baggage against my choice and my airline threatened to block us from flying due to a couple extra kilos. They kept shouting that until I dumped my beautiful fabric purchases and traveled with practicaly empty bag. Consistent with what you said, I should have tucked them into a pillow case as nobody cared about pillows. I was confused that the manager threatened me at every point and tried to snatch my purse as I pushed past him and boarded. In other countries, they would come out and ask for money or a gift. I left behind many times more than any gift or bribe.💔
That's awful! I'm so sorry that happened.
😮😮😮 what airline was that ????
Funny airlines started worrying about personal items weight only after they began charging for the extra pound. That’s why they established a weight limit for checked bags back in the day when checking your bags was included in your plane ticket, and people were able to bring whatever they wanted inside the cabin (within reason). Now they charge for everything
My thoughts as well.
Air Canada has started this for international departures as I discovered last month flying to the US. My solution? Got in line behind a big family and used them for my distraction and just bypassed the screening. Got lucky I guess!
Sneaky! (and Smart) :-)
Recently returning to US From Israel the EL AL check in lady allowed me to accept some weight on my checked bag as a kindness to the girl in my tour group whose bag was overweight. No problem to me and saved her some bucks.
That was really nice of the check-in clerk to do that, and for you to "donate" your unused allocation to her!
I have a lovely jacket with lots of large pockets that I could stuff things into. I haven't had to use it, but its nice to know it is available.
Our last trip from Rome, Italy (pre-COVID) they made everyone go to the counter to have their carryons weighed.
Thanks for sharing, Denise! What airline was that?
@@NoraDunn I remember we booked the flight through Delta.....I'm pretty sure it was actually a Delta flight and not a code share.
But with Rome, the rules can change minute by minute! :)
@@deniseyoung3738 Ain't that the truth! Ha.
I like to make sure to have space and spare weight for my outbound flight because I know I'll buy some stuff on my destinations. This is a must unless I'm planning on buying extra luggage or to check in my luggage on the way back.
This is something I am often bad at doing; I pack everything so tightly on the way out that it's difficult to bring anything back!
I take old clothes, undies, socks anything I won't mind throwing out if I need to make room for a small souvenier.
I’ve been called out by airline personnel for wearing a hip bag. Three times I have been flagged for it; they called it a personal item and I had to find a way to squeeze it in to my personal item bag. Twice with American Airlines, and once with Southwest.
I now wear a very slim profile sling, under a cardigan sweater. Anything to avoid it being seen.
Great advice! Indeed, they're getting more and more strict.
When I see a 747 with a Shuttlecraft strapped to its back, I can't help wondering about "overweight" baggage. But as for the pillow....I never travel anywhere without mine. I've occasionally stuffed my jacket into the case too.
I only take 1pr extra shoes and leave jewellery, makeup,and fancier clothes at home. I am travelling to see, learn and do new adventures not to impress anyone. I'll never see any of those people again, and they will not remember or care what I wore.
Make yourself less of a target of opportunity & be a good visitor.
I just returned from a trip. I packed carryon and personal item only for a 9 day trip. My suitcase was just over 30lbs. (WestJet, no weight restrictions) I was able to lift it myself.
What is frustrating is the person travelling with a carryon suitcase, a laptop bag, a backpack and a purse.
I will try a convertible waist pack/sling bag next time.
I also read that jackets, hats and umbrellas can also be brought onboard in addition to the other carryon allowance.
Well done on your trip! First time traveling with carry-on only?
Good info. I have a backpack that even when reasonably full still meets the personal item dimensions to go under the seat. For now my Air Canada European flights have no carry on weight restrictions only that you be able to hoist it into the overhead bin yourself. I use the smart tag baggage trackers in my carry on in the (upsetting?) event that if it gets gate checked because the airlines are not enforcing sizing rules then I have a clue where it is. You may avoid gate checks by paying for pre-selection of your seat at least at the start of your trip and picking forward as possible seats, then hope you board before the masses for better chance of overhead bins.
Great tips, Dave!
Lufthansa weighed my carry on luggage AT THE GATE and made me check it (thankfully free of charge). The limit was 8kg and it was a little over 10kg. This happened september 2024 in Heathrow, London.
Thanks for the intel!
omg pillow hack- loving it!
Some commenters have said that, recently, many airlines were requiring your pillow or blanket be within your carry-on or personal item; they were no longer allowing them as a freebie.
Yes, this is happening with some airlines. I cover it a bit more in this video: ua-cam.com/video/yLDz-ttaf20/v-deo.htmlsi=iKZfwP4PfhA7y9oU
and this 'hack' is the reason why.....
You didn't point out that Air Canada has an unusual size limit. The longest dimension is only 21.5 inches and almost all other US carriers have that limit as 22 inches. I have looked around and it is hard to find a bag that meets the Air Canada limit exactly. If they are being strict then almost any carry on bag could be required to be checked.
Interesting! Also interesting that I've never known Air Canada to be a stickler on the size of carry-on...only the weight on occasion.
@@NoraDunn I haven't flown with them yet. I was just noticing that because I am planning a trip to Canada this summer and want to make sure that I don't get hit with too many extra fees. They also say that they have automated no touch sizers before security at Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto airports. Their web site says that there is no weight limit but that you must be able to easily store your bag in the overhead bin without assistance. Also as others have pointed out medical devices are allowed as carry on at all times in addition to any limits. You may be able to put something small in there as well such as a phone or ipad.
Look for international carryons, they are smaller.
Samsonite has a carry-on that they make specifically for the European market. It is only 7.5" wide and I think 21.5" tall. It was called the Magnum Eco.
Air Canada doesn't have a weight limit for carry on baggage per se but it does say that you have to be able to put it in the overhead bin unassisted. You would have to look up the info for the airline you're going to fly. United is the same that there isn't a weight limit on carry on baggage.
Apparently that is changing. Another viewer told me that Air Canada now weighs bags if you're flying out of Montreal. I don't know this for sure; I was simply told this.
I have done all your hacks! Thanks for the reminder since it's been a while since I travel. Once my carry on didn't fit in the meassuring frame and the attendant was insisting that I return to the check desk and check the carry-on bag and pay for a check-in bag!!! In front of her I took out the books that were in a side pocket and held then in my arm and the bag fit perfectly well. She looked so angry!!!
Ha ha! Tricky! Glad it worked.
Lololol