There is no worse feeling than arriving at the check-in desk, luggage in hand, to be unexpectedly slapped with an oversized baggage fee. Unfortunately, for passengers travelling on budget airlines such as Ryanair or easyJet, the risk has become a common reality for holidaymakers who aren’t in the know.
While budget airlines offer some relatively purse-friendly deals on flights, those who want to take more than the free hand luggage allowance will need to shell out.
What’s worse, if you turn up at the airport with a bag which exceeds the airline’s specified allowance, you could be hit with a fine of up to £48.
Ryanair passengers who don’t want to pay for a cabin bag or hold luggage are only permitted to take one small handbag onboard measuring no more than 40 x 20 x 25cm.
easyJet passengers who have not paid for a cabin bag or hold luggage can bring one small underseat onboard for free measuring no more than 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including any handles and wheels).
However, if you show up at the airport with a bag bigger than your allowance, Ryanair can charge up to £38 for priority and two cabin bags when purchased at the gate. If this is unavailable, as you are forced to check a bag in at the desk, this cost rises further. A 10kg check-in bag purchased at the gate can cost up to £35.99, while a 20kg bag purchased at the gate could set you back £59.99.
Over at easyJet, you can be charged an “airport bag fee” for an oversized cabin bag totalling up to £48.
Of course, the key to avoiding fees is understanding your luggage allowance. The next hurdle is trying to fit everything in.
However, experts from Shoezone have some clever shoe-packing tricks which they claim will “maximising suitcase space to save holiday goers cash this summer”. By making the most of the space available to you, and strategically packing, holidaymakers could avoid excess fees.
Place shoes heel-to-toe
The experts explained: “Place each pair heel-to-toe in opposite positions so that they can neatly slot together in your case and take up minimal space. Be sure to cover them to keep surrounding items clean.”
Utilise shoe space – pack them with clothes
Shoezone said: “A great way to pack smart is to fill the inside of your shoes with smaller items such as socks, underwear, or anything else you can think of that will fit. The larger the shoes, the more items you can store.”
Pack clothes in between pairs
One way to organise your case and pack everything in tightly is by using your shoes almost like packing cubes.
“Protect your shoes and keep them in place by packing items of clothing in between them,” said the experts. “Roll thinner and smaller items to fit them into tight spaces, maximising all the room you have.”
Put shoes at the bottom
Popping your shoes into the suitcase before any other luggage is a great way to help with space while also improving your journey.
“Not only does this allow you to get your favourite pair in first, but it also balances out your luggage by placing lighter items on top,” said the experts.
“A balanced suitcase can make your journey much easier, as you won’t be fighting with an unstable case as you rush through the airport.”