Flight attendant's 'genius' method to dodge extra luggage fees

A flight attendant has revealed a clever trick to avoid luggage fees on budget airlines. Flight attendant Miguel Muñoz told Express.co.uk that passengers can use the duty-free shopping bag method, as "duty-free bags don't count as carry-on baggage," and gate agents won't challenge it.

The attendant explained: "If you have something that doesn't fit in your suitcase or you want to bring an extra bag on board, here's the trick. All you have to do is carry a duty-free bag. Or ask for one at the duty-free shop and you place whatever you want in the shopping bag. There is obviously limited space, but at least you are bringing an extra bag on the plane with you.

"Now you know. If you ever find yourself in that situation, just put whatever you want in a duty-free bag. You are welcome!"

Another popular hack shared by hundreds of travellers on social media involves using a pillowcase to carry extra items.

One TikTok user said: "I did it on two transatlantic flights and it worked," while another commented: "It certainly seems genius to me!"

However, take care when using any unofficial method when boarding a plane, as some airlines may have other rules around duty-free allowances.

And you still need to adhere to the overall size and weight limits for carry-on or personal items.

Passengers can also utilise their clothing to carry additional items, using pockets to store toiletries, chargers, socks and other small items.

Finally, your clothes can be used to carry more items and avoid luggage fees.

A travel expert from Handluggageonly recommended: "Pack all the clothes you need in your backpack but if that person checking you in for your flight turns around and says anything about your bag being overweight and tries to charge you the excess baggage fare, simply pop over to the bathroom and wear as many clothes as possible.

"Technically, no one can say anything about the fact that you just wore your extra clothes on you instead of having them in your luggage and more importantly – they can’t charge you the extra fare as your bag weight should be much more in line."

Passengers can use the pockets to carry toiletries, chargers, socks and other small items.