11 hours ago
Ryanair passengers urged to use simple cardboard trick when packing to avoid being stung with extra fares
As the summer holiday season kicks off, sun-seekers across the UK are dusting off their suitcases as they gear up for the ultimate getaway.
But with the cost of living still climbing, holidaymakers are turning to smart strategies to cut costs - like skipping unexpected checked baggage fees.
One popular hack to dodge extra charges is by travelling with just a single carry-on bag.
Ryanair allows passengers to bring one small cabin bag for free as long as it fits under the seat in front.
However, the budget airline recently revealed it's expanding the size allowance of passengers' complimentary 'personal' bag by 20 per cent per cent due to new EU regulations.
The current limit of 40cm x 25cm x 20cm will soon expand to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, giving passengers a bit more space to pack smarter.
But packing expert Tom Schott, from Schott Packaging, has a word of warning: more space doesn't mean more stuff.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, he said: 'The new dimension is a game-changer, but only if you use it wisely. The mistake is to simply cram more in. The real victory for passengers is using that volume to pack with structure. A well-packed bag is a compliant bag.'
Tom suggests placing a snug-fitting piece of cardboard inside your bag to create a firm frame.
He says this helps maintain shape, maximises usable space, and avoids the telltale bulges that might draw unwanted attention from gate staff.
The expert also recommends using sealable bags to organise items, protect fragile goods and save space.
Another tip is to use a small, sturdy box in the centre of your bag, cushioned by clothing, to create a safe zone for chargers, adapters, and toiletries - which, in turn, minimises the risk of damage or leaks.
Tom's final word of advice is to lay everything out in a 40cm x 30cm area before packing, as it provides a 'real-world view of what fits.'
He added: 'These aren't just clever tricks, but core principles of efficient packing. By applying them, you can confidently pack that extra outfit and still breeze through the boarding gate.'
Meanwhile, a new travel hack for those looking to avoid splashing out on cabin baggage fees when flying is going viral online.
And all that's needed is a common travel accessory.
In a video on TikTok, Nina Edwine (@nina_edwine) shared her ingenious trick to stuff an empty neck pillow with items that would otherwise force her to pay for additional baggage.
And despite the small size of the travel pillow, Nina was able to pack in 10 items of clothing, including a bra, tops and a dress.
The video, captioned 'rat technique to avoid paying €50 for cabin baggage', has already been viewed 2.6 million times on TikTok.
The tactic has been dubbed both 'genius' and 'legendary' by those users of the video-sharing app.
