Woman's 'genius' hack means she can double her hand luggage without paying fee (2025)

A woman has shared her 'genius' trick to double her hand luggage while travelling on a plane – and it means she doesn't have to pay any extra fees at the airport

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A savvy traveller has been praised for her clever hack to double her hand luggage allowance without incurring additional charges. Known as @lifeofjazz_ on social media, she shared her top tip for travelling with only hand luggage, thus avoiding the need to check in a bag at the airport.

Her strategy begins with ensuring her suitcase adheres to the size and weight restrictions to avoid any complications during check-in. She then revealed: "I have a few tricks that I do when travelling with only hand luggage. Number one, I put a bag inside a bag. You see this bag [referencing her video], there's another bag inside of it. I usually go to Boots or Duty Free, and get a bag because they are not allowed to touch anything inside something you've bought already within the airport.

"I have a crossbody bag, obviously that's fine, it's tiny. Then I have my small suitcase, make sure you roll everything within your suitcase so it can fit."

She also suggests boarding the plane early to secure space in an overhead compartment for your bag, rather than trying to cram it under your seat.

Responding to her post, one user admitted: "I do the duty thing too. Get a cheeky meal deal from boots and ask for the biggest bag."

Another added: "People also don't realise you don't need to use those plastic bags for toiletries, you can use your own see through makeup bag, doesn't matter how big."

A third traveller suggested: "But nowadays you can even bring a cabin wheeled bag, just a rucksack. I do the duty free bag but Ryanair told me they have limitations on duty."

Another user shared their hack, saying: "I always bring a pillow case put some clothes in."

This comes after other flyers shared their tips to enhance the overall airport experience. One user pointed out: "You can't bring a full water bottle through airport security, but you can bring an empty one.

"Most airports have water bottle fillers installed at drinking fountains after security. Beats paying six dollars for bottled water."

Joining the conversation, another traveller recommended speeding up security checks by removing bottle lids to show staff that the bottles are indeed empty.

Meanwhile, someone else chimed in with: "You can bring ice in a bottle though as long as it's not melted. I like to do that and then fill it up inside the airport. I love ice water."

Another comment suggested avoiding the immediate water filler station post-security, which is often slow due to heavy use, and instead advised seeking out the next one along for a quicker fill-up.

A different user contributed yet another travel tip, advising travellers to pack compression socks for longer journeys, explaining: "For personal comfort, I find compression socks to really help during longer flights/trips. I also carry an empty water bottle through security, then refill it before boarding in order to have plenty of water for the flight.

"I carry a light sweater or thin-down vest in my bag (too many cold flights). Noise-cancelling headphones. I also carry a small external battery pack. Always plan for the worst (long lines, delays) allow plenty of time and arrive early.".