2 days ago
‘Unethical' Gen Z travel hack that threatens airport security called out by expert
Everyone wants to save a buck while flying, but one travel TikTokker's 'hack' for not paying luggage fees is being blasted as dangerous.
Jason Steinberg posted the first video in his 'unethical travel hacks' series, in which he teaches travelers to hide a second carry-on inside an airport to avoid paying a baggage fee.
In the TikTok, Steinberg encourages travelers to get to the airport early and find a 'safe place' to leave the second bag. He encouraged people to leave it in plain sight, at a cafe, or put it with other people's bags. When checking in, Steinberg says passengers should say they have one bag and they want it weighed, leaving him free to grab the second bag and take it onto the plane.
3 A travel TikTokker revealed his top 'unethical travel hack.'
TikTok/@travelwithjayberg
While Steinberg, who posts as Travel With Jay Berg, successfully dodged the fee in his video, travel experts warn that his 'hack' could violate airport security regulations, cause a disruption at the terminal, or simply get your belongings stolen.
Send My Bag's Adam Ewart told Indy 100 that following Steinberg's lead was not a good idea and may lead to panic over unattended luggage.
Travel expert Adam Ewart from Send My Bag suggests this type of advice is not only unethical, but extremely unsafe.
3 He encouraged passengers to hide their second bag in the airport.
TikTok/@travelwithjayberg
3 Travel experts warn about Steinberg's hack.
TikTok/@travelwithjayberg
'We all know the frustration of lifting your bag onto the luggage scales, only to find out it's over the limit and you'll have to pay extra. But this hack is not just dishonest, it's dangerous,' Ewart said.
'You should never leave your baggage unattended in an airport, full stop. Not only could it be stolen, but unattended bags can trigger major security concerns and even evacuations.
'The consequences far outweigh the cost of a few kilos over the limit.'
To avoid any stress over your baggage, Ewart encourages travelers to use safe (and ethical) hacks to save money on luggage.
'If you're worried about overweight luggage, there are much safer and easier ways to cut down. Start by packing smarter – roll clothes instead of folding, limit shoes, and weigh your bag at home, ' he said.
'And if you need more than your airline allows, consider shipping luggage ahead with a dedicated service like Send My Bag. It can be much more cost-effective, especially for students or expats relocating.'
