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Seven simple ways to beat baggage fees – including this ingenious travel vest

Baggage fees are one of the biggest earners for both budget carriers and legacy airlines. Ryanair's charge for checked luggage starts at £50 per return flight, while BA fines passengers £65 if their luggage is overweight. 

So it should come as no surprise to see travellers finding creative ways to sidestep a hefty bill. Take Ryan Hawaii. He was denied boarding twice this week after attempting to travel while wearing eight pairs of trousers and 10 shirts in a bid to avoid paying extra. 

Here are some far more discreet ways to beat the airlines at their own game. 

Joey lunges
Joey lunges

1. Do your homework before travelling

Carefully review your airline's policy. Some may offer more free checked bags than others, such as Southwest Airlines, which allows two per passenger, with a weight limit of 50lbs (23kg) per bag.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic allow each passenger to also bring a handbag, laptop bag or small rucksack, in addition to your cabin luggage. So does Ryanair, although the larger of the two bags must be placed in the hold.

Also take advantage of any items that can be checked or carried on board for free, such as collapsible pushchairs, car seats and medical devices. Knowing you can travel with these items will free up your carry-on luggage space.

Some airlines may offer more free checked or cabin bags than other carriers - Credit: AP
Some airlines may offer more free checked or cabin bags than other carriers Credit: AP

2. Pack lighter and better

Bringing less items is always a good idea but packing smarter is also key. Wear your biggest coat instead of checking it (you can just take it off on the plane), and you'll have more room for other items in your checked bag.

Place heavier items in your carry-on bag, because, while checked bags are always weighed, airline crew (depending on the carrier) are less strict about weighing carry-on bags.  

If you’re travelling with others, consider sharing a large suitcase. Children are usually given the same baggage allowance as adults, so (assuming your child isn't carrying as many items as you), you could also fit some of your things into their bags. 

And weigh your bags on the scales at home, so you won’t get a nasty surprise at the check-in desk.

While your checked bags are always weighed, airline crew (depending on the carrier) are less strict about weighing carry-on bags - Credit: Getty
While your checked bags are always weighed, airline crew (depending on the carrier) are less strict about weighing carry-on bags Credit: Getty

3. Invest in a better suitcase

It’s obvious, but getting a decent, versatile suitcase that lasts will save you more in the long run than having to pay overweight and excess baggage fees. There are lots of high-tech lightweight suitcases out there, such as the Cosmolite, which weighs in at a delicate 1.7kg.

“You could manoeuvre it with your little finger. An original Samsonite design that’s been on a supermodel diet, its sleek look and T-bar handle conveys a feeling of lightness in contrast to its surprisingly impressive 36-litre capacity,” said Laura Lovett, who put the bag to the test for Telegraph Travel.

Tried and tested: the best carry-on cabin bags
Tried and tested: the best carry-on cabin bags

4. Buy a nifty travel jacket

Recent years have seen a host of multifunctional travel jackets, packed with pockets, made available for travellers looking to avoid baggage fees, such as these trench coats from Scottevest, which offer a more stylish solution than wearing multiple layers of clothing. Cleverly hidden inside are 18 separate pockets that can carry all of your travel essentials.

Scottevest: it's better than wearing all your clothes
Scottevest: it's better than wearing all your clothes

The video at the top of this article demonstrates just how many items you can fit in a travel jacket. 

5. Join a loyalty scheme

Excess baggage fees are often waived, or at least reduced, for members of an airline’s frequent flier programme. And some airlines let members check an additional bag or two free of charge.

6. Treat yourself to an upgrade

Bag fees for first and business class passengers are usually waived, or they are given a greater bag allowance than others. While premium flights are expensive to book, purchasing an upgrade at the airport check-in desk on the day of your travel is usually cheaper and may be worth it for the extra baggage allowance.   

At a glance | How to get a free airline upgrade
At a glance | How to get a free airline upgrade

7. Consider shipping your bags

While this usually is a pricier option than checking your bags, depending on the destination, the amount you pay could be similar to some bag fees, especially on domestic routes. Avoid using luggage shipping companies and opt for standard delivery services like FedEx or UPS, which usually offer cheaper rates.