Airlines are ramping up luggage costs – here’s the bag you should always choose to avoid them
PASSENGERS are being stung by new and increased luggage charges, with a number of airlines ramping up costs.
Air Malta has scrapped it’s free 10kg luggage allowance, while Finnair ditched it’s free suitcases in their basic ticket fares last year.
And US airlines JetBlue, American and United and Frontier Airlines have all raised their prices.
American Airlines passengers will have to pay £31 to check in a bag at the airport, the first price rise in three years.
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United’s first checked in bag also costs £31 at the airport, while JetBlue charges as much as £35 for checked luggage.
And Frontier Airlines now charges £58 for luggage between 41 and 50 pounds.
And a travel expert has revealed how to avoid these fees – with many opting for backpacks over suitcases.
Rob Cooper, CEO of the luggage manufacturer Travelpro, told Forbes: “We’re seeing increased demand for backpacks across the board, from frequent travellers and commuters to customers looking for a new everyday bag.
“Backpacks provide the utmost convenience on the go, as everything you need is right at your fingertips.”
He added that his biggest pet peeve was find your suitcase had a “wobbly or rough wheel” when pulling it through the airport.
Mr Cooper said: “I think you’ll also see a bigger emphasis on personal bags, such as larger totes, backpacks, and duffels allowing travellers to maximize what they carry on.”
If you can pack light, there is a bag going viral online that lets you skip all hand luggage restrictions – even Ryanair.
Costing £12, the Wandf bag on Amazon is small, but some have fit in as much as a week’s worth of clothes inn – and avoided paying anything extra.
One person said in the reviews: “Bought this for a recent trip abroad when I was only taking cabin bags.
“This bag is strong, looks good and you can fit so. much in it! Recommend!”
Other drastic attempts to avoid luggage costs is to fill a suitcase or a travel pillow with clothes instead.
A number of travellers have found success with it, managing to sneak some extra things onto the plane.
But the Sun Online Travel’s resident flight attendant warned against it.
They said: “I’m all for saving money where you can and I’ve actually been inspired by some of the clever things I’ve seen on Tiktok and elsewhere online.
“But if you get spotted when trying to board the plane it could end up costing you a lot of money.
“My advice would be to not risk it as it’s not the best way to start your holiday – getting charged a load just because you couldn’t bear to be without an extra pair of shoes or whatever it is.”
Otherwise we’ve reviewed the best hand luggage suitcases to take on your next holiday.
Hand luggage rules for UK airlines
We’ve rounded up how much hand luggage you can take on UK airlines when booking their most basic fare.
Ryanair
One personal bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
EasyJet
One personal bag measuring no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm
Jet2
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm weighing up to 10kg
TUI
One personal item that its underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm weighing up to 10kg
British Airways
One personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm weighing up to 23kg
Virgin Atlantic
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm weighing up to 10kg