What in the World How to hack your flight luggage allowance
Baggage fees have become part and parcel of international travel, with charges taking off in recent years. Globally, passengers spent $150 billion USD last year on added 'extras' such as seat selection and baggage fees - that's 25% more than they spent in 2023. There's also a growing number of 'packing hacks' videos on social media, with more people looking for ways to avoid paying fees for their bags.
BBC reporter Sam Gruet explains why airlines started charging for luggage in the first place and how it varies around the world. And travel expert and content creator Chelsea Dickenson shares her tips on how to cut costs when travelling.
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BBC News
34 minutes ago
- BBC News
How budget airline baggage confusion triggered EU legal row
Determined to avoid baggage fees for his holiday to Pisa, Benjamin Till trawled several different shops armed with a tape measure in search of the right suitcase. Eventually, he found a case within the dimensions EasyJet allows for a free underseat bag - or so he thought. When Mr Till arrived at London Gatwick Airport in December 2023, he discovered those measurements included wheels, meaning his bag was deemed slightly too protested, but eventually paid £48 to bring the bag on board. He says he was told to remove the wheels for the way back - which he at the gate on his way home, he was told the suitcase was still too large, so he sat on the floor, unpacking his dirty underwear and souvenirs into a bin bag."I don't mind admitting that I actually burst into tears because it was so humiliating," he says. An EasyJet spokesperson told the BBC its ground crew had to ensure non-checked bags were within maximum dimensions "to safely and securely fit", and that rules were made clear to customers when they booked. Stories of passengers caught out by baggage rules they feel are inconsistent or confusing are common, with many customers complaining or seeking clarity from budget airlines on social media. Different airlines have varying rules on the acceptable size and weight of an underseat personal item or an overhead cabin bag, with some charging customers to bring the latter. For people who fall foul of these rules, some airlines charge hefty fees to upgrade a bag from a free personal item to an overhead cabin bag at the airport gate, or to stow an oversized cabin bag in the confusion has prompted the European Union's largest consumer group to push for fairer and more consistent hand luggage rules, and caused one government to start cracking down on airlines over bag EU is now looking at changing its laws - changes which would also affect UK passengers who are travelling to or from an EU destination using an EU-based airline. On Thursday, EU transport ministers proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines, among other air travel and passenger rights' changes - meaning this could become EU law if their position is accepted by the European airlines say their baggage policies comply with the law while keeping fares low, but they have been facing mounting pressure and calls for change. What could change, or not, for hand baggage? EU transport ministers proposed that passengers should be guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane rules would apply to EU-based airlines (such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and EasyJet), including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa, but not third-party rules would add clarity to an EU court ruling from 11 years ago, which stated hand baggage should not be subject to an extra fee, provided it met "reasonable" weight and dimensions, but did not say what reasonable Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while EasyJet's dimensions for a free bag are a more generous 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and ministers' proposal was silent, however, on the issue of whether airlines could charge for overhead cabin bags – meaning that if their proposal was adopted into law, the current situation would not change and airlines could keep charging for that kind of hand baggage, which some in Europe have lobbied to European Consumer Organisation, BEUC, an umbrella group for 45 independent consumer organisations from 32 countries, believes Thursday's proposals do not go far enough, and legitimise "charging for reasonably sized hand luggage".In November, five airlines were fined a total of €179m (£150m) in Spain for "abusive" practices, including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said at the time that it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage and other airlines had said they would appeal the decision. Regarding charges for overheard cabin bags, Ryanair said it fully complied with EU law in its policy, which allows one small bag on board free of charge."If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers," the airline group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". What do customers want? Hand luggage dimensions should be universal, says Jane Hawkes, a consumer expert specialising in travel."I don't really see why it can't be, and why they can't come to a voluntary agreement as to what those requirements should be for your baggage," she tells the BBC."There have to be restrictions, obviously, but a one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers," she said policymakers should define what "reasonable" size and weight was "to avoid surprises at the airport and ultimately reduce the number of disputes costing consumers and airlines time and money".Ms Hawkes suggests passengers make sure they measure their bag after it is packed, as it may expand when it is full and go over the limit. She adds that consumers should not just be swayed by the fare price, as "if you've got an airline that encompasses [baggage] without you having to pay extra costs to start with, then that might be more of a better option for you". Mr Till would welcome a one-size-fits-all approach to underseat bags. "It's just really, really unfair and ridiculous and there should be one size that goes across all of the airlines," he also criticises the permitted size of underseat cabin bags, saying "it was such a tiny, tiny size of luggage that you were allowed that it had taken me so long to find something that was so small".Still, he was grateful for the inexpensive air fare, and the place he had to stay in Italy, because "otherwise I wouldn't be able to come to this beautiful country".
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
The underrated French city that has a ‘bit of everything' with picturesque beaches and new cheap hotels
WITH relaxing beaches and super sightseeing – plus just a two-hour flight away – Nice on France's stunning Cote d'Azur makes for an easy sunny getaway. While it may happily soak up the glamorous associations of nearby Cannes and St-Tropez, this spot on the Med needn't break the bank. 4 WHY SHOULD I GO? NICE has a bit of everything. Great food, scenery and swimming. But it never feels like you need to elbow your way through its quaint streets. It is also one of France's brightest cities, with a reported 147 days of sunshine a year making it a great choice if you want to bask in the rays while also getting a top-notch culture fix. STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? ONE of the best things about Nice is just how walkable it is, the piece de resistance being a stroll along the seafront Promenade des Anglais. As you get your steps in alongside the palm trees, look out for the iconic hotel Le Negresco, which hosted Elizabeth Taylor and The Beatles. Pack comfy shoes to walk 30 minutes up to the Colline du Chateau — a park from which you can get the best views of the city. It's smart to hop on a tram (€10, or £8.39, return) outside the airport to get into the centre after landing — it takes just over half an hour. BUCKET LIST ATTRACTIONS? THE cute Old Town comprises a series of winding alleys that have hardly changed from the 1700s and are made for wandering, complete with colourful, shuttered facades. Between the many historic squares and churches, you will find plenty of adorable shops selling handbags, jewellery and other stylish items. Or head to the flea market Les Puces de Nice, a treasure trove of affordable designer clothing. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport Need an energy boost? Stop off at the Frisson coffee shop which serves dainty pastries and ice cream. Enjoy art at the Matisse Museum (€10, or £8.39, entry), before a free walk through the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre in the Jardin des Arenes de Cimiez. WHERE SHOULD I EAT? LUNCH on delicious Mediterranean cuisine beneath a chic, striped parasol at the laidback Hotel Amour Plage (part of Hotel Amour Nice) in a prime position on the promenade. Then retreat to the beach club's sunloungers beside the beach. 4 For a dinner you can dress up for, head to Taulissa above the five-star Le Victoria hotel. Dine on mouthwatering Provencal dishes — including plenty of fish and seafood options — with panoramic views of the city. For more of a local feel, try the friendly Rouge wine bar, whose small Mediterranean sharing plates are just as unmissable as the contents of its cellar. I FANCY A DRINK EASE into the evening with a sunset visit to Babel Babel, for a range of natural wines and a sea view. Later, Place du Pin and the adjacent Rue Bonaparte are full of bustling cocktail bars with terraces. 4 WHERE SHOULD I STAY? THE Old Town is arguably best, not only for its charm but for practical reasons too — it's close to all the key sites you'll want to visit. EasyHotel Nice Old Town has had a multi-million pound refurb, and is a stone's throw from all the action. There is an all-you-can-eat continental breakfast buffet (£10.49, per person) — including croissants, of course — and the handy option to store luggage at €5 (£4.20) per item for up to 12 hours before or after your stay.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The six most affordable US beach towns for homebuyers in 2025
'Beach home' is a term that most would equate with unaffordability. But, there are a number of under-the-radar spots where ocean side homes are considered affordable. From the shores of Mississippi to the cool waters of the Pacific Northwest, these are the best-value beach towns in America for 2025. A dozen US beach towns still offer median home prices well below the national average — with some starting as low as $165,000, reports All of the median sale prices are as of April 2025. 1. Pascagoula, Mississippi The number one budget-friendly seaside escape this year is Pascagoula, Mississippi, where the median list price is $165,610. A two-bedroom home just blocks from Buffett Beach — named after the late singer Jimmy Buffett, who was born here — is listed at $139,900. The city even named its main public beach after the 'Margaritaville' singer, and hosted him in 2015 for a concert and bridge dedication. In addition to Buffet Beach and Buffet Bridge, Pascagoula features plenty of other attractions including a public fishing pier and a nine-hole regulation golf course. Known as 'Mississippi's Flagship City,' this Gulf Coast town has the Pascagoula Country Club, Petit Bois Island, and the famed La Pointe-Krebs House. A short ride away is Petit Bois Island, a federally protected wilderness area. 'Pascagoula has made a concerted effort to revive its downtown district over the last decade. We're seeing the payoff at work,' says local realtor Jacqueline Ready. 'There are gorgeous waterfront and water-view homes, both historic and new build. The ancient oaks are just stunning, rivaling Savannah. It's absolutely a success story.' 2. Deerfield Beach, Florida The second most affordable town is Deerfield Beach, Florida, where the median list price is $211,000. Just north of Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach gives its 87,000 residents easy access to an award-winning 'Blue Wave' beach and a massive fishing pier. A two-bedroom condo minutes from the surf is currently listed at $214,900. The famed Florida Renaissance Festival takes place here annually. The coastal location boasts a wide range of water sports and activities, and is also home to an impressive fishing pier, boardwalk and arboretum. There is also Deerfield Island Park, a county-run nature refuge accessible only by free boat rides from the mainland, available every weekend. The town ranked well primarily due to the city's abundance of moderately priced condos. 3. Atlantic City, New Jersey New Jersey's shores made the list, with Atlantic City coming in at number three. It's not all smoky casinos and gambling — Atlantic City is also one of the most affordable spots to buy a beachfront home on the East Coast with an average home price of $242,000. One brand-new two-bedroom condo is listed for $235,000, steps from the city's iconic wooden boardwalk and public beaches. Flanked by the city's boardwalk, the beach is among the region's best in the summer, and often plays venue to concerts and other gatherings year-round. The city's famous footpath is also filled with dining and shopping options — making it a crown jewel of the Jersey Shore. 4. Port Richey, Florida Port Richey, Florida, is number four, with a median list price of $255,000. With just 3,500 residents, this suburb of Tampa offers low property taxes, affordable homes (like a two-bedroom home for $254,900), and proximity to parks and nature preserves. Filled with marinas, docks and parks, there's shopping, golfing and waterfront restaurants. The town's historic Main Street gives it a small town feel. Johnny Cash owned a home in the town until 2002. 5. Port Lavaca, Texas Port Lavaca, Texas, is number five with an average home price of $292,000. Halfway along the Texas Gulf Coast, Port Lavaca draws nature lovers and bird watchers thanks to its location along a major migratory bird flight path. A waterfront, fully furnished, four-bedroom house is currently listed for $324,000. History lovers can visit the La Salle Monument or Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse, while others relax at Magnolia Beach or enjoy the parks. Port Lacava, Texas is filled with natural wildlife and white sandy beaches 6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina The median list price of a home in Myrtle Beach is $299,000. Myrtle Beach has an abundance of affordable condos and cottages. A two-bedroom cottage near the beach is on the market for $299,950. Set in the midst of an uninterrupted 60-mile stretch of beaches, the town also offers an abundance of amusements like Ripley's Aquarium, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and a 187-foot tall Ferris wheel known as the SkyWheel. Myrtle Beach also boasts a board walk, one that offers impressive views of this scenic segment of South Carolina's Grand Strand. More affordable beach towns across the US 7. Ocean Springs, MS – $302,500 8. Corpus Christi, TX – $310,000 9. Surfside Beach, SC – $310,925 10. Long Beach, WA – $403,188 11. Ocean Shores, WA – $409,900 12. Ocean City, MD – $454,500 (Median list price in April 2025) Meanwhile, elsewhere across the US, people are ditching their vacation homes at a rapid rate. Fresh fears of a housing market crash — and a shrinking pool of renters — are making sellers uneasy. The number of people buying second homes has plunged to its lowest level since records began, and is under a third of what it was during the pandemic boom. A toxic mix of sky-high mortgage rates, soaring maintenance costs, and a widespread return-to-office push is fueling the trend. In 2024, just 86,604 mortgages were issued for second homes across the United States. That's a 5 percent drop from the year before and down dramatically from 258,289 in 2021. At the height of the pandemic, remote workers who could afford it were fleeing big cities in droves and buying up homes in sunny spots like Florida and California. Those days are over. Vacation homes (second homes) made up just 2.6 percent of all US mortgages last year, according to Redfin. That's half what it was in 2020. Redfin began keeping records in 2018, when there were 175,644 second home mortgages in the US. They rose after that steadily until 2021 and have been falling since. 'Most people aren't buying vacation homes at all because mortgage rates and insurance costs — especially for waterfront properties — have skyrocketed,' said Lindsay Garcia, a Redfin Premier agent in Fort Lauderdale.
