8 Hacks to NEVER pay for Luggage | NO OVERWEIGHT fees + extra FREE carry-on

[@mafsharimehrify]

Excellent video and great information. Years ago I was on a multi-country business trip. The travel agent had made a mistake and booked me in economy from Philippines to Singapore and I had overweight for economy. The agent wanted me to pay $250. So I asked how much to upgrade to business. That was only $200. So I flew business with my luggage without paying the fee. And my company reimbursed me for the $250. Happy travels.

[@marygillespie2028]

I always weigh my checked bag before leaving the house. It's much less stressful. You don't need a special luggage scale. Just step on your bathroom scale holding your bag, then subtract your own weight from the total.

[@MrGroganmeister]

Electronic scales are only $10 on eBay and are light enough to travel with you.

[@rncine]

That’s very hard to do when you have suitcase that already weighs 40lbs and you are only 120lbs!

[@MrGroganmeister]

@@rncine why the hell are you carting 40 lbs? Are you emigrating?

[@rncine]

@@MrGroganmeister Florida is pretty cheap where I live (well it used to be until Covid hit 😏) going to LA and staying a month gets very expensive to buy products there.

[@andrewkosmowski3985]

@@rncine you could put the suitcase on the scale and then put everything into it.

[@lindadorman2869]

After traveling to 40+ countries over the past 30 years, I finally learned the best way to avoid paying for overweight baggage...don't travel with so much stuff. Long-stay or frequent travelers know to pack only the essentials, buy what you need when you arrive and leave things behind when you go. Short-term or occasional travelers should need a lot less. If you're packing more than a checked bag, carry-on and personal item, you're taking too much stuff. What you own, owns you.

[@Merryyy203]

"What you own, owns you", I SOOOOO agree with that.

[@the-red-ghost]

If you are traveling for 3 months or more it will be tricky and sometimes it's hard to find your favorite product everywhere

[@shriduttkothari]

there are some things which are cheaper in India and so we want to bring them in bulk when we come to Netherlands to save money, 💰

[@koenven7012]

I agree, unless I'm going diving and I take my camera. Then the underwater housing goes in a second checked bag (well, reinforced plastic suitcase because it's fragile and expensive). But then I buy extra luggage allowance up front (or fly with an airline that allows extra luggage) so I don't have any issues.

[@speedyx3493]

@@the-red-ghostif you are travelling somewhere for 3 months just buy the stuff when you arrive, even if you just throw/give some of the stuff away it'll still most likely be cheaper than paying for an additional luggage. I can't really imagine anything that's so essential you have to absolutely bring it with yourself, so expensive enough that it's not possible to just buy a new one at arrival, AND so big that it doesn't fit into your pocket/carry-on. What the fuck are you taking on that plane? A TV set?

[@kat1963]

I did 10 days touring Italy with just a carry on and small back pack in 2019. This past May I did 7 days on Kauai with a carry on and ended up not wearing or using 50% of what I packed. I’m 67 and just started to travel this way. What a game changer. Just in time for my retirement dream…TRAVEL!

[@lefacteur11]

Great tips Megan. But I must share one of my pet peeves. That is passengers who bring so many carry on items filling the overhead that there is no room for my carry on. I love traveling too but remember the flight can be so much more enjoyable if people are courteous and considerate of others.

[@bwillan]

I think airlines charging for checked bags has created the problem with passengers maximizing their carry on luggage. In reality they should charge for carry on luggage to encourage more people to check their baggage.

[@anivee5863]

Agreed! The worst are the flights to the Caribbean where gate agents seem to have given up and let passengers bring 3 or more giant shopping bags as carry-on PLUS giant 5 yr old kids as "under 2 years old". My experience is that only COPA weighs carry-on luggage and they are merciless if it's over 15 lbs.

[@12567NoYouCannot]

@@bwillan Well, Airlines are Charging More for the Carry Ons than they are for the Checked Bags, and Now people are forced to take almost NOTHING on their trips.

[@kevinschaefer3945]

@@anivee5863 This is also true of the Philippines and they tend to be much more lenient with locals than foreigners.

[@sexygeek8996]

The solution is to assign each passenger a space in the bin above his seat. Luggage placed in someone else's space gets checked (with a fee) or removed from the plane if the owner doesn't come forward.

[@boatlover1875]

Get to the airport a little bit early and head to a closed check in desk and weigh you luggage. You can usually see the weight on the side of the scale. Then you can rearrange things without causing a commotion in front of the line.

[@paulbuchen3882]

I work for an airline. I can tell you first hand, if you bypass the Ticket Counter and go to the gate with a large bag…We WILL charge you for it! Some places are getting scales past security, for this very reason. It’s not just about Money…Employees are getting hurt! Not to mention, breaking the overhead bin. I’ve seen that several times. Don’t think you are being “slick.” Airline employees see it all the time…Please think about us, we want to get the airplane out on time, but we don’t want to get hurt. Please pack only what you need, and distribute the weight evenly. I promise, this will save you a LOT of headaches

[@whatsilviadid3993]

I was once told that i had to pay overweight baggage. I told them i had to think about it first and try to get the weight down. Then suddenly, airline announced that flight had overbooking and asked if there were any volunteers to accept taking the next day flight. I volunteered with other people, but in the end they didn’t need me. As a thank you for trying to help, the clerk told me they wouldn’t charge me for my overweight luggage. Sometimes its just good karma 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@d2junkieef807]

The best way to totally avoid any of this issues is to buy a $10.00 hand held suitcase scale , and check the weight of all your suitcases at HOME.

[@thedoeweb]

I don't necessarily agree with your last tip, one of my biggest pet peeves with travelers using every possible method to sneak their belongings on as a "carry on" is that it ends up taking away overhead compartment space above someone's assigned seat. I always only take my back pack on as a carry on and in hopes of being able to stow it above or within a step away from my assigned seat. I cringe when boarding and I see someone in front of me randomly putting their belongings in random over head compartments not even close to their seat. Then when another person boards the plane, they find that their over head compartment is filled up so they (or I) have to walk several seats down to stow their carry on. The frustrating part is when the plane lands and I either have to wait for everyone behind me to leave the plane or I have to wedge my around them to get their carry on. Some airlines reserve or dedicate each overhead compartment to that row of seats, it's unfortunate that other passengers don't follow the rules.

[@eq2imora]

Then there's the asshats that put their carry on at the front of the plane when they're seated at the back. i've seen people do that over my seat and told them to move their crap because that's my spot. They get pissed because they don't want to carry their bag from the back of the plane. I also hate the excess carry on items. No one wants anything under the seat. no one wants to sit on a jacket. Nope, gotta take ALLLLLLL the bin space.

[@wncjan]

Couldn't agree more. In these times when most planes are completely filled up, using these hacks will make sure, that other passengers will have no room for their handluggage show some consideration!

[@marialokuan]

I travel only with carry one and even trips for a whole month. I just go to a laundry. Especially when Itravel by trains in Europe.

[@althelas]

Oh yes. sometimes it is even so bad, that they tell you that they need to check in your carry-on, because the overhead cabinets are already full and we didn't even board with the last group. Meaning the 20+ people who boarded the plane before us had so much "Carry-ons" that the rest of the passengers could only take bags in that fit under the seat. I was so pissed off, I was ready to give all the people on board a piece of my mind but my friend held me back. In the end about over a quarter of passengers had to check in their cabin luggage because the other inconsiderate gits followed some "tricks" to avoid paying for overpacking. since I usually only travel with my smallish backpack and a handbag, i was okay, but my friend had to give up her carry-on and for that we missed the train we booked from the airport to our final desitnation (baggage claim was a nightmare that day) and had to pay for additional tickets.

[@sexygeek8996]

If the overhead bin is reserved for the seats below it (as it should be) and someone violates that rule, report their luggage as unaccompanied baggage. Hopefully the airline will remove it for security reasons or at least make them check it.

[@Vromiaris778]

since buying a luggage scale I haven’t had any overweight luggage issues and it does speed up the check in process a lot

[@Holdmymawashi]

In Australia, it’s very strict. We have maximum 7kg carry on, even internationally and many carriers will make you weigh your handbag at the same time to be included in the 7kg!

[@davesaunders7080]

Great tips. Be proactive, get and use a luggage scale before you leave and bring it with you. Carry on only and use all the hacks to make it work!

[@hannahchildress7764]

My mom, son and myself went to Greece for 10 days all in a carry on! We like to bring old night shirts, clothes, etc and throw away as we wear them which leaves room for souvenirs! Also, I tried the “plastic” bag trick when leaving Canada once and they made me wait until ALL passengers boarded and then told me I had to consolidate. There was no overhead storage and it was a very frustrating experience so beware!

[@Kera707]

I thought I was the only person who takes old clothes on trip so I can throw it away to make space. It's my trick to declutter. Glad to hear others do this

[@fattony9227]

@@Kera707 / I have been doing the same on my latest trips.

[@lindacurtis2358]

I flew down to Florida from NJ with carryon only for one week. It was a challenge for me as I am an over packer! On the way home, had to get an empty bag from one of the airport stores which certainly helped me out!

[@y.preyer]

Tip 1. Put your laptop and agenda into a flat square backpack with ropes that you normally use for shoes that you can buy at the sport shop. The bag should be flat! Put on bag, put on an oversized coat over it. Wear it until boarding. It'll save you up to 4 kg extra. Tip 2. Go to duty free and buy something small and ask for a big branded bag with duty free logo. Place your private things into the bag so it will look like duty free purchase. Duty free purchases are not included into tarif. Tip 3. Don't buy a big suit case to escape the temptation to put too many things and be over 22kg.

[@helenstewart2085]

Have 24hours of flying coming up, my ticket ONE 7kg Carry on, my vest has lovely deep pockets, will have wallet, tablet, phone etc in the pockets.

[@SteveRichfield]

NO WEIGHT LIMITS for personal items meeting the ~17x13x9" limits for personal/underseat bags so put your heaviest stuff in one of these. HOWEVER, many airlines like Sun Country specify underseat dimensions that are just a bit less than commercial underseat bags. The trick here is to purchase a child's suitcase that is a bit smaller than than an adult underseat bag. This leaves one final challenge - explaining to your business associates why you are using a My Little Pony suitcase, which is what I use.

[@lornasvideos1]

Get a luggage cover and then nobody sees that it’s my little pony.

[@MrGroganmeister]

Haha My little pony

[@TheWanderingWife]

Some airlines DO have weight limits for carryons, so check first. Air France is one that comes to mind.

[@rlaw7548]

Cathay Pacific airline also weight carry-on suitcase. I was transited in Chicago and they walked around the gate waiting area with a handheld scale to weight carry-on!!

[@jocelyn9255]

I stumbled on your video and found this very helpful for my upcoming trip to US, I am travelling from Australia. I’m in the midst of paying for extra luggage but after watching I think I got it in control. Thank you!

[@July-A7]

Can't see how anyone wouldn't know these things without watching her clip.

[@Kittyququmber]

The airlines have to change their practice for people who are over weight. I am 105 lbs and 5’6”. and have been charged an extra $100 for 5 lbs overweight on my luggage. Sone obese fat person like 100 lbs overweight gets to board with no extra charge. Air France is notorious for this everytime I have flown them even as a Business Class traveller-still get charged. Avoid them at all costs.

[@leonardchavez3078]

I have my own portable luggage scale. I weigh them at home when I am done packing. And, readjust weight accordingly, as needed. No surprises at the airport!

[@StanHasselback]

All great tips. I tie my hiking boots to the outside of my backpack so far no one has said anything too me. My backpack has loops for this.

[@tatianabritton6258]

Two things I’d like to add. 1. Buy a luggage scale and know how much you’re bag will weigh BEFORE going to the airport. Saves you money with overweight fees, an argument with the front desk agent and holding up the line 2. If you check-in a bag, plan to arrive an additional 45 minutes earlier than the recommended arrival time. Check in lines can be crazy long and may be delayed because Joe Schmoe wasn’t aware his bag was 30 pounds overweight and is throwing a tantrum because he doesn’t want to pay extra fees. Safe travels everyone!

[@aisumelef211]

In the Philippines, only departing passengers are allowed in the airport. We have three security areas to go through and I heard through one vlogger that even her hand carry was inspected before boarding the plane. As in, open and show everything, much like security for flights going to Israel. I've found it easier to keep to the weight and baggage allowance or just pay for an additional baggage. I can't travel with a hand carry for a month's travel to Asia coming from Canada. Especially if I'm leaving in the winter and it's summer in Asia. Thanks for the tips. It probably applies more to travel within North America as even shopping bags are part of the hand carry allowance in ANA. I always choose a major if not the flag carriers because they offer more service like free baggage allowance and advance seat selection vs budget airlines. Besides, budget airlines tend to fly short distances vs Intercontinental. Have never flown within North America for tourism as all have been to Asia. International flights are definitely better than flying local.

[@davidrayner9832]

It irks me that they'll charge you for a carry on that's a kg or two over and when the person in front of you in the line weighs 40 or 50 kgs more than you do. The sooner they allow each passenger a certain weight which is themselves plus any luggage, the better. Weigh the passenger and their luggage together. The heavier the passenger, the lighter their luggage must be.

[@sydneydrake2789]

I made it with carry-on 12 days in France! Included 7 day barge cruise, 2 nights in Versailles and 2 in Paris. I travelled with my sister, the seasoned travel agent, who said there was no way she wanted to wait to pick up checked luggage.

[@anivee5863]

That sounds like a dream trip! Color me wilted with envy!

[@peetbothma6982]

It is simple, respect the rules and don't overpack, common honesty and decency. No hack required.

[@dream.lifestyle]

Some airlines in Australia check the heigh & weight of each and every single passenger's hand luggage just before he / she board their flight. I had witnessed many times.

[@perspective4517]

Many of these tips are very useful. In Australia, one domestic budget carrier thwarts most of these techniques by weighing all your carry on pieces after you have gone through security and tags each article, so the 'stuffing your coat pockets with the heaviest articles' is one of the few ways that works (will try the plastic bag!). Thanks for the tips.

[@dahnahewlett6349]

Jetstar! I fill my bumbag and stuff it under my jacket and under my backpack, they’ve never noticed 😂

[@MrGroganmeister]

@@dahnahewlett6349 yeah Jetstar are diabolical. But for an extra couple of bucks you can get an extra 3 kg in your carry on.

[@Lolosmommie]

I'm an agent with Frontier. I'll accept up to 43 lbs our weight limit is 40 to avoid any overweight charges . 41-50 is $75 USD and 51-99.9 is $100 USD . I never weigh carry on luggage but it has to fit in the carry on slot that you see in front of each airline check in station. Also your backpack has to fit in the personal slot . Yes you can bypass us as in the check in agents but you can't bypass the gate agent.

[@sweetandsimple.]

I've rarely had to test the size of my bags for a gate agent. They don't have time to do that for all those passengers let's be real.

[@giuseppecusato6597]

Great tips, after 40 years of travelling with loads of equipment for my job I can assure you that most of the time the check in weight scale are off by couple of kgs. I wait my luggage with different scales at home before going to the airport. When I get to the check in they are always a little bit more “fat”. I remarke the incongruity to the agent and they let me check in without paying any extra fee.

[@Jstubbs68]

Buy a small luggage scale, weigh your bag before you go to the airport. Also, carry a fold up lightweight duffle to put any excess items in.

[@PortableProfessional]

Always weigh, great tip.

[@letterbox203]

Hey Megan, terrific tips! I usually have a backpack and laptop bag as carry on and you can really load those up with heavy items! Plus, once I wore 4 jackets and heavy boots which together weighed over 10 lbs. I could have easily added another 20 lbs

[@PortableProfessional]

4 jackets!? That is next level travel hacking!

[@letterbox203]

@@PortableProfessional aha!! I'm dying in laughter

[@bun04y]

@@PortableProfessional with as cold as some of those planes are, a requirement!

[@vizeath]

Okay thank you for making my plan seem normal 😁

[@koenven7012]

you have to be careful with that. I've heard that there were some people who wore most of their clothes to avoid overweight or a checked bag ended up causing an emergency landing for medical emergency because they were overheating while wearing all their clothes.

[@katd6580]

If you buy a luggage scale you would avoid all of these headaches. I have had my backpack weighed numerous times. Mainly on flights overseas....BEFORE we went through security.

[@alisonlucas6206]

Jetstar from Adelaide weights all carry handbags included combined weight over 7 kg is extra

[@ZukiraPhaera]

I only ever fly with carry-on luggage. Spent 4 months in the UK that way. Ways I lighten the load include planning outfits around easily coordinated pieces that can mix well with things obtained at the destination - business casual works well for this. All my slacks are black, my tops are black, grey, or white while traveling with a few silk scarves for pops of color, and of course that one little black dress which I can find accessories for at the destination. The scarves get braided and then worn while traveling. Avoid taking new clothing, this way, should you decide to bring something home and need to make space, you can dispose of clothing you might have been ready to part with in the near future a little sooner to make room for something you obtained during your travels. Plan to purchase socks and toiletries at destination, and flesh out outfits by hitting up second hand shops that I'll re-donate items to before returning home if I'm not absolutely in love with the piece(s). If the destination is one I plan on swimming at, swimwear is a layer in travel rather than packed.

[@sharon22669]

Great ideas, thank you! I only bring a personal item and a carry-on when I fly to visit friends. The only "issue" was on a commuter flight connection. My carryon was less than an inch too big. Switched an item to my personal bag and the attendant did ask how I got my carry-on to fit. My personal item was a tote I bought while visiting friends and it was bulging!! It didn't fit completely under the seat in front of me. I put a foot on either side, closed my knees and dropped a jacket over my legs.

[@Dragonblaster1]

When I used to travel constantly travel for business, I would always get to the airport as early as possible. It just makes the whole process easier and calmer.

[@philbertshevitz3113]

Weigh your bags at home, keep them under the limit, problem solved.. .yw

[@PortableProfessional]

Definitely the best case scenario!

[@philbertshevitz3113]

@@PortableProfessional easy to do if you have a scale at home. I make sure it's at least 1 ib. Under the limit, never had a problem. And like you said, it's better to travel without checking a bag. Carry on + a backpack is the way to go if you can.. I like your channel and your travel tips

[@sherrytolbird154]

When traveling I’ve taken the same bags and ones always over

[@sherrytolbird154]

Not when you repack

[@Fardedandshidded]

Not when you’re moving country and transporting one box costs 500 euros

[@frankward8003]

I just did my first international trip. I packed everything for my 10 day trip in a carry on..all clothes and a pair of shoes...the carry on weighted 11kg..they only allow 7kg and the carry on had to be checked anyways....lesson learned..on international trips its better just to pack using your larger suitcase because it's going to be checked anyways..the larger suitcase allows better packing and having the carry on suitcase in the bin above the seat in the plane really offers no advanages anyways..it's just better to have a shoulder bag for your carry on that has easy to get at zipper compartments for your passport, tickets and other papers that will fit in the over head bin or under your seat so you can get into it easily while on the plane.

[@terrysmith8539]

This is exactly why it's a pain in the ass to travel with a woman this is the way they think. Yes that's exactly what I want to do rearranging my bags while I'm in the airport or throwing away some of my stuff. How about just stay within the weight limit that the airline requires and not bring so much crap with you!

[@NigelJones]

Maybe different to us, but in Europe/uk size limits are also a thing. Both on the checked luggage and particularly on cabin luggage. Sizes are checked and luggage tiered right down to underseat size only

[@ancairinadumitru3306]

I have just found this video and wanted to say the same! Also, when the agents estimate that the overhead is already full, they will make you leave your carry on as "check-in" (without paying extra) right next to the airplane, and you need to wait for it at the conveyor belt when you arrive

[@ttqueenie]

I usually travel with hand luggage.. a small roll on with the exact dimensions and a zipper extension...and a small duffle bag. In my duffle bag I have all my necessary items, e.g. tablet, phone, medication, travel documents and 1 change of clothes and a small light towel. After clearing security I wait til the agents arrive by the gate to settle down then ask if they can take the luggage to be placed in the luggage compartment. 99% of the time they take it because they want the overhead space. This way I go through to clear immigration and my luggage is almost first to come off the plane for collection and through customs.

[@naturallycleva5809]

I had to travel with two children,and felt overwhelmed at the idea. I decided I would not check luggage, as it would add to my frustrations with flying. We all carried a carry on, packing clothing for a 30 day stay. It made it sooooo much easier, and relieved my stress😊

[@leonhunter1839]

5:20 totally Badass

[@model3forever91]

I traveled to 3 countries with only carry on. It's not easy like you said but doable. I use military roll and is able to squeeze 5 days worth of clothes into the case. I also buy toiletries at my destination instead of packing them. Also I may bring only a few clothes and instead wash them at the local laundromat at my destination if necessary

[@tanyacollier5048]

Hi Megan I'm from Australia love your videos coming back home from Vegas I had 2 bags checked allowance I think was 23kg I knew my bags were both over weight with souvenirs and just crap I was bringing back to Australia. I had the shuttle bus driver drop me at the United airlines drop off at the Curb side check in, with a smile and a tip he took my bags and my tip and let me go so no payment was not required so i now I always go to curb side. 🇦🇺

[@chinitamadrina2150]

lol i love the last tip! never thought about it. I'm going to do this

[@swapnilsule1234]

Sneaky devil 🙂 ! I like the chipotle bag hack. Coz you have already passed security but you can still tell airlines that it's food ! Very nice indeed !!

[@ad6417]

As an older solo woman traveler I prefer to pay to check my luggage rather than carryon. To each his own.

[@archeewaters]

here's my tip. on the start of the journey, pack a foldable duffle bag into your carry-on suitcase. on the way back, you can put your original shoulder bag into that suitcase after you've transfered all your stuff plus new puchases into the fold-up, as your new shoulder bag

[@thebigjc2356]

Guilty here. Even though I had weighed my checked bag, the airline I was flying out of MCO weighed my bag as 1 lb overweight. They said the charge was $75 USD. Nope. I emptied some stuff into my pockets, and threw out leftover sunscreen.

[@wilsondavid2]

Madam, since you've posted this video on 8th May, Most of the airlined imposed a new rule. that is, 15lbs or 7kg for both carryon and backpack(computer bag). I've been travelling for the past 47years( once a year), I never paid an extra penny. I always have a luggae scale now a days. Before time i used to weight them at home before trave. By the way your travel tips're very useful.

[@eq2imora]

You found an airline that lets you take both? None of the airlines I fly let me take both since Covid.

[@wilsondavid2]

@@eq2imora I make sure both my computer backpack and the carron suitcase weigh together 7kg or 15lbs. If they're particular about it, I'm ready to put the computer bag into the carryon suitcase(I practice this at home). Then I use a 12pocket jacket in which I can carry more allowed things. I'm 76 years old and I ask for wheelchair assistance which helps a lot.

[@MartineH1]

To have en extra volym as plastic bag can work with some big companies. Companies that fly in Europe like Ryan Air can charge you for ex, for a camera that you hang in you neck. They count everything you carry as an extra volym.

[@shahjadafahim]

Without printed boarding pass you can not enter into plane that's also you have to remember so technically you have to go to checkin counter whether you have boarding pass in your phone

[@rncine]

Thank you for all your great tips. I have one that might help your viewers. This is only for U.S. travelers not International and only if not going to a hotel. Before I leave on my trip from Tampa to LA I mail my daughter’s hair products ( God forbid a teen doesn’t have her hair supplies 😱) I use Priority Flat Rate boxes, make sure they say Flat rate, some do not. They come in Small $9.45, Medium $16.10, Large $21.50 and you can stuff it as heavy as you like, weight does not matter. I double bag her hair products and creams in zip lock baggies. The good thing is, each box is insured for a $100( Some items you need to have receipts for a claim, if lost, also helps if you take pics of items prior to sending) I send a lot of heavy reading books this way too. Most of these boxes only take 2-3 days to deliver. Again, thank you for all your informative tips, I now have subscribed to your channel.

[@kevinschaefer3945]

Some airlines, such as United and Eva, will allow you to bring your guitar - or smaller instrument - as a carry on. I have never had it weighed, so I stuff whatever I can that won't damage my guitar into the case. However, no matter how innocuous it may seem, NEVER put anything into the guitar itself. Aside from possible damage the instrument, it's a sure way to have them search your case. That might just open the door to having you toss whatever else you put in it. I also bring a backpack, as that counts as my "additional piece" that they don't weigh.

[@HR-wd6cw]

Always check the weight limits. For dmoestic US flights, I've found that many carriers (not the low-cost/ultra low-cost like Spirit/Frontier, but the mainstream carriers like United/Delta) generally don't weigh bags or care too much. Delta I think offers generous 50 lb limit, and it has to fit in the bin, whereas others it maybe 35 lbs, but that's still quite a bit of stuff. In fact I've been able to pack for a whole week into a carry-on bag, although it was a bit heavy at around 30-40 lbs, but never had to pay for the bag to be checked. The issue may come up for international flights where weights and sizes are more strict on most, if not all, carriers (although some seat classes include a "free" bag, not really free but it's part of the fare). I try to only fly carry-on only, but if the trip is more than a week, then I usually have to check a bag unless I know for sure that ther ewould be a place to do laundry during the trip, which in many cases there are, and then I just pack about a week's worth of clothes, or whatever I can fit into a backpack and carry-on bag and then do laundry -- usually try to bring at least 4-5 days worth of clothes though to keep laundry to a minimum (maybe once or twice on a longer 1+ week trip). So now, I usually just buy the single-use Tide travel packets and just pack less with the plan of doing a load of laundry every few days if the trip is more than a week. Definitely cheaper and faster than checking a bag (plus in a pinch, I can wash the clothes in the hotel bathtub if need be).

[@jayhulrs1435]

Buy a handheld luggage scale and weigh before you go. No surprises or need to scramble

[@spacecaptain9188]

I do a variation of one of your suggestions: I use a backpack as my only baggage, but stuff an extra bag (usually a cheap plastic shopping bag) into it, so I can call it a "personal item" if I ever need one. No suitcase means all of my luggage can be squashed into very small luggage measuring bins, under my seat, or into awkwardly shaped storage areas.

[@fjdkfdfjdf33]

The best hack is to take the gate offer to check your luggage for free because of a full flight. This saved me $65 and lots of work taking my luggage through various airports.

[@crazy4beatles]

This happened to my recently. Airline sent me a text saying my connection flight was very full and to check bag for free. It was a smaller regional flight. Showed it when checking in for the first leg - transatlantic and they agreed to check in from the start. On the way back I was preparing to pay because I had liquid purchases that couldn’t go carry on. The airline website kept giving me an error when adding the checked bag. Day of I got the text again, showed to the agent and he checked it through both legs for free. Was extra helpful as I had an overnight layover where I got by with just the basic in my backpack and didn’t have to lug around a suitcase for such a short trip.

[@codywy5579]

Brilliant! I am learning a lot from you

[@PortableProfessional]

Awesome, thank you! So glad you find it helpful, Cody!

[@niemand69]

In my airline of preference you have the right to upgrade online your checked baggage allowance up to two hours prior departure. So, I always go early to the airport (at least 2,5 hours before flight), pick an empty checkin counter (there always are plenty of them) and weigh my carry on. If I’m within limits, I’m good to go to the gate. If I’m a bit overweight I buy in situ the extra fee and check my bag instead of taking it in the cabin. It’s a life saver because I only pay 25 euros for it, instead of a 75 euros fee at the gate. If you ask me why I do this instead of buying a cheap baggage scale, I will say that I prefer to go by their rules and use the airport scales, rather than using a portable scale which in most cases has a weight deviation between 100 and 200 grams. So, I proceed to the gate with my personal item only (money, documents, camera, valuables) and all is good

[@anivee5863]

Paying for your ticket with an airline credit card gives you 1st checked bag free plus lots of other perks. My Chase United Explorer also gives me boarding in Group 2 right after Business Class, instead of Group 5 when there is usually very little overhead space left. That alone is worth the annual $95 fee.

[@sunitapatel7740]

Thank You Megan. I found you yesterday.☺️ the tips you share are so detailed. Much appreciated. You're too kind....Thanks again angel...💖

[@SandraHof]

Quite frankly, seeing people going on the plane with a carry on bag PLUS a big stuffed backpack irritates me. I try to play by the rules and bring a carry on plus my purse. One time I had my purse and a carry on bag. I also had a small brown paper bag with a hat in it that I bought on the trip. Incredibly, at SFO the gate agent stopped me and said I was over the limit for carry ons. I have flown hundreds of times, domestically and internationally. I looked at her in disbelief. Then I opened the brown paper bag, put the hat on my head and crumbled up the paper bag. Problem solved. The guy behind me looked incredulously at the gate agent. He and I looked at each other and laughed.

[@queeie718]

The plastic bag made me laugh 😂 That's hilarious.

[@PortableProfessional]

Glad you liked that! Thanks for watching!

[@NarsilRenewed]

This is GOLD, thank you!

[@crazy4beatles]

Another hack I discovered. Some airlines add a tag to the carry on after it’s been weighed at the check in counter. That signals to the gate people that the bag already passed weigh inspection. So I checked in with some of the heavier bits left out. And added them back in once I had the tag. On the way there I had family to leave my stuff with. On the return I put it in a backpack and threw a coat over to hide the stuff from the agent while checking in. I was lucky they were super busy and didn’t pay attention to me as I scurried away with a lump sticking out my back. Lol I used the plastic bag hack on a low cost carrier once. And worked a charm.

[@theaweavers8576]

T

[@theaweavers8576]

I fly with carry on only and put extra items in an airport plastic bag!!! I buy a newspaper with a plastic bag!!!! Then use the bag it really works as they assume you have bought stuff

[@MK-cc5ve]

I love, love, love the plastic bag for food tip. Very clever. Put the excess weight into plastic bag, pass the weight check in, put plastic bag back into carry on bag. Especially satisfying as a lighter weight person, my carry on is less than the extra 50 pounds many people are carrying on in their bodies.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@househunt5175]

LOL, it's not about weight, it's about money. You think the plane is in danger of being too heavy to fly? They'd weigh US too if there were any chance we ever got close to the planes capabilities. NFL teams fly on these planes with their coaches, team employees and families. That's around 15-20 linemen who approach 400 lbs each then the rest of the 'lightweights' who go an average of 220 or so.

[@MK-cc5ve]

@@househunt5175 Do you really think that planes don’t have a maximum weight capacity to lift off, land, and fly safely? You do, don’t you? They just dump fuel to make an emergency landing to make money, according to you.

[@househunt5175]

@@MK-cc5ve Of course they have a maximum. It's science. It's just that a plane full of passengers and baggage doesn't approach that limit. If the fact that they don't weigh people's bodies isn't proof of that for you, you're simply not bright enough to connect the dots. Sorry. Some humans are literally 3 times the weight of others, and they don't care. But you think they are weighing 23kg bags so the plane won't crash. LOL

[@MK-cc5ve]

@@househunt5175 Hey smart one, you have supplied zero “proof” or evidence that passenger weight is not counted. A 2 second internet search showed which airlines are weighing people. Time for a diet?

[@mcy99a]

4:55 - Norwegian was the only airline I went on to ever weigh both backpack and carryon together. But I didn't mind since the flight price was decent

[@TheWanderingWife]

Air France weighed mine.

[@agentbrandt]

Some small time airlines won't allow more than one personal item/bag. I experienced this when I went to Canada. So I immediately had to maneuver some stuff from my 2nd personal item to my checked-in baggage and carry-on luggages.

[@pdub6453]

I only do carry on luggage. After years of travel, I have learned to pare back on all items. One really doesn’t need to bring as much as we normally do. And often I will have items that I never use while away. The packing works for a weekend or a month. If it doesn’t go in the carry on, it doesn’t go.

[@najibrizvi]

Also have someone wait outside the airport until the check-in is done so worst case scenario you can ask them to take unnecessary but no throwable stuff back home and send it later through courier if needed

[@tonilafountain636]

I have flown with NO bag, simply shipped the baggage ahead of me by one day, it was cheaper, and arrived when I did!

[@lyudmilaaksan2232]

How many times?

[@tonilafountain636]

@@lyudmilaaksan2232 aproximately 13

[@marizee5615]

I have flown many times with just a carry-on and a personal item. Sometimes in my personal item, I will carry a lot of snacks (fruit, nuts, hummus, etc.). If I need room in my personal item for other things (clothes), I will bring an extra plastic bag to carry these food items and will also put in other items that I would like to access like lotion, book, etc. I am especially clever when flying Spirit with just a personal item. Filling jacket pockets with items is a must!

[@luannpatterson5888]

When my daughter lived in Florida I visited several times. I only took a carry on bag because I could wash clothes at her place plus I would do some creative clothes layering. I flew Frontier from the Midwest & a couple times my flights cost less than $75. That was great.

[@augusthallmann96]

Each package , all things and the body weight of the passenger ,should count as a total ,allowed. It is unfair for a 400 lbs passenger To pay less than a 150 lbs. passenger with the same baggage weight.

[@dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

Love your plastic bag tip 😂 A luggage scale is a must item, and traveling light whenever possible. Shoes are surprisingly heavy, and I prefer to buy big bottles of sunscreen at my destination.

[@PortableProfessional]

Totally! i just wish sunscreen wasn't so darn expensive at hot tourist destinations. They know we need it! 😅

[@rogerbrichacek3140]

I have a scale that I carry in my backpack and it is accurate and verified.when I got to the airport it mysteriously gained 4 pounds . They scam you to get the extra money.

[@lisamendez2652]

No luggage scale needed, just hop on personal scale with and without luggage and subtract the difference 😍

[@wncjan]

@@lisamendez2652 I never bring a personal scale when I travel 😉

[@jayvet8402]

@@PortableProfessional I do your second hack where I check in online and bring my luggage thru to gate check but it works this way I wait until final boarding and show up and gate check my bag because they in a rush to close the door they don't weigh it 90% percent of the time and get you on quickly.

[@hinmin12]

I always travel with carry on luggage. A few times I had to bring checked luggage was a pain. I try to put the heavier items in the personal bag which is never weighed. Another hack is to get the books or papers out as reading material is allowed separately. You can also get your umbrella out. Wear your heaviest clothes like jeans and coat. Always check with your airline what hand items are allowed.

[@macua7258]

There's actually a perfectly good reason why airlines have baggage weight limits... FUEL EFFICIENCY and people skipping weighing their luggage is just plain inconsiderate.

[@u.synlig]

Whether your ‘extra’ 25 pounds of carried weight are in your backpack, or evenly distributed on your meaty shoulders and ample thighs, they are recorded in the boarded aircraft’s final weight calculation. As a passenger, you will only be charged more for one of those forms of weight transport.

[@cgirl111]

You need the total weight of the plane, passengers and luggage to calculate your takeoff speeds. One person sneaking on and extra 10 pounds won't make a difference but now suppose everyone did it. 140 people x10 = 1400 pounds. That makes a difference.

[@Merryyy203]

@@cgirl111 Ooooh! I knew there was a reason for the weight limits but never really knew why. Thanks!

[@koenven7012]

actually each aircraft has a maximum take-off weight as well (and a lower landing weight, which is why they sometimes have to dump fuel when returning for an emergency). for the large aircraft this is not a big issue, but for smaller aircraft it actually might be (especially since the average weight of the passengers is still from the '70s if I'm not mistaken and people have on average gained weight since then). I think the most honest method is weigh everything, including the passenger and allow for x kg in total per seat.

[@drewa3403]

You maybe right with that "extra plastic bag" that you purchased while inside the airport. It happened to me during my last trip back home. My carry-on bag was almost way over weight but luckily the person in check in area allowed me, i thought thats it. However, when i purchased something inside duty free ( two bottles of red label) i just carry it along with my carry on and laptop bag. When boarding started, we were lining up to go inside the plane, and i saw the personnel were weighing all the carry on of the passengers again. So when it was my turn obviously its is going to be over weight due to my duty free purchased, unfortunately they did not allowed me to go and instead asked to pay the extra weight or return the purchased items in the duty free. I have no choice but to pay for it. So i dont think it is advisable to put it in the "extra plastic pag" you mentioned. By the way i was talking about a personal experience in Dubai Airport flying Emirates Airline (777-300ER). So there.

[@gingernightmare9152]

I'm surprised they allowed you to carryon alcohol.

[@pappyone6062]

Mostly good tips. Best to know what your bags weigh before leaving for the airport. I have a handheld scale that hooks to the bag handle to weigh it. Just do it at home and either redistribute or leave a few things behind. Taking a third carryon on board that you have to put in the overhead compartment takes away someone else’s space. Inconsiderate and rude unless it fits under your seat with your backpack.

[@liayesung5721]

Giiirl, u blowing me away xD the paper bag! Made me laugh too, u are brilliant haha

[@lynnrush7166]

I never check a bag. Definitely challenging to stay light weight, but worth it when you need to be travelling on trains and busses also. Take fewer things that are easy to hand wash and let hang dry overnight. On a longer trip it probably would be cheaper to do a load of clothes at a laundromat.

[@TravelWorld429]

Yes… I have done the shopping bag tip.. always work. Another tip for airlines that charge for carry-on bag (ie, Spirit). I have a friend that travels on Spirit frequently. He has his backpack and does not want to pay for carry-on. So he opens up the lining of a windbreaker and stuffs his extra clothes in the lining of the windbreaker and uses safety pins to hold in place. Bit of an extreme, but he says it always works.

[@mayangirl3757]

I always travel ( and I have a lot)... with a carry on..But I have never ..NEVER been ask to weight...I never knew they did that...Thanks for the video.

[@serenacoils1866]

Here they check the size and weight of your carry on as you show the boarding pass, so avoiding the check in counter is not going to help, also your personal bag and carry on have to be within a certain weight combined

[@rosieroti4063]

Indians are very good at this. Here's what we usually do to reduce weight of bags: 1) anything that can be worn... wear it on top of your clothes - Put on a T-shirt on top of the shirt you're already wearing, wear atleast 2 pairs of socks and underwear, put on your scarf and jacket. Have atleast 2 hankies handy. 2) bring cloth bags, fill them up nightwear, fold the cloth bag and use it as a pillow - some even go to the extent of unstuffing a teddy and then stuffing it back with nightwear. 3) bring an empty bottle of water and fill it up at the airport after check-in 4) Never bring toiletries, make-up items, anything that you can purchase or make do without.

[@pmarmify]

all seats should have a separate compartment for carry on. If you fill it up, you wont be allowed to take someone elses compartment, would sort out many problems

[@sexygeek8996]

That's how the overhead bins should work.

[@naschell1]

As a medical trainer, I fly every week --- sometimes up to six flights in a 5-day trip. I have traveled with ONLY a backpack for the past 10 years. I have a VERY bare-bones standard pack-up that had everything I NEED, and nothing I do not. Clothes, toiletries, computer, projector interface, etc. I never check anything. If I don't use something on a trip, I never take it again. Never had it weighed (but it's always well under the limit anyway). And I NEVER put it in the overhead compartment. Note: Some towns with airports actually have stores, so making an emergency purchase of something you need is not big deal.

[@tiad2125]

The last 5+ years I've only used a carry-on and personal item bag to fly. I haven't had any of my bags weighed, just make sure they don't look overly stuffed and they don't care. I look at the airlines max dimensions for a personal item, which is usually whatever size under the seat is. I will pack things in compression packing cubes to go inside my personal bag, as well as my carry-on. I keep a spare set of clothes, liquids, charger, purse,etc, and even a pair of shoes if my suitcase is stuffed! Using compression packing cubes keep everything organized and you helps keep your clothes, or personal items from being on full display if you need to rearrange items..

[@peterperry5378]

Obviously you never travelled with Ryanair

[@itsmejt9283]

This is really useful! Thanks

[@PortableProfessional]

You're so welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@FelipeFigueira]

I'm 9 months in SE Asia with a 90L backpack hahaha. Only Vietjet charged me to check my bag. AirAsia is fine

[@AnneMB955]

Carry-on only for the last 20 years and forever more. You certainly know your stuff, Megan.

[@rookmaster7502]

If you are traveling with family members, it is easier to redistribute items from one luggage to another to avoid overweight fees for any one piece of luggage.

[@PaigeSaysStanQueenzEye]

the biggest thing for me is that i’ve been living abroad for a year and now i have to somehow fit my whole life into 2 suitcases 😭 already had to pay for a second suitcase and now i gotta pack everything to be under 46kg it’s not looking very good so far lmao. my plan is to wear like 4 layers of clothing even tho it’s currently over 30 degrees c and to stuff the hell out of my pockets. i will definitely be trying that plastic bag hack cos i need all the help i can get 😭

[@PortableProfessional]

That is a true packing challenge! Good luck!

[@eq2imora]

Most airlines that I've checked lately only allow ONE carry on bag. No separate personal item anymore. They're trying to cut down on bin baggage.

[@rickr327]

Pre Pandemic we took maybe two international trips a year plus 3 domestic trips a year. Maybe 14 individual legs per year. I found a portable scale to weigh luggage was helpful before leaving for the airport. However we always check our luggage as it is too difficult to have no liquids in carry on except what fits into a quart bag. Actually I tend to bring a bottle of scotch to avoid paying exorbitant hotel bar prices. I make sure the scotch comes in a plastic (unbreakable) bottle. Also on domestic trips it is easy to stop by a WalMart on the way to the hotel to pick up something (water). However in Hong Kong it is hard to find the deodorant you couldn’t fit in. Love your videos and your style.

[@gingernightmare9152]

We always transfer alcohol into a plastic Evian bottle to pack in the suitcase. It's lighter and will not break!

[@cijmo]

I won't travel with anything other than carry on anymore. I don't buy souvenirs anymore and I just do laundry every 5 days or so. The day I fly, I even wear something that is so stretched and almost see-through that I throw it out when I get there. I don't use a lot of bath/skin product, my only body products are toothpaste and deodorant. My hair is fine with hotel shampoos and I keep it short so there's no 'styling' involved.

[@PortableProfessional]

Enjoy your travels!

[@NimseyLou]

In Paris, they weighed my carry-on bag between the check in agent and security. I had to go back to the check and agent and check my bag as it was over limit.