Travelling with hand luggage is one of the best ways to make the most of cheap flights, especially when you’re travelling with budget carriers such as Ryanair or easyJet where the luggage allowance is limited and anything over the allowance comes at a price.
Even when you have purchased hold luggage, if you’re packing for a long trip it’s essential you don’t go over the allocated limit allowed by your airline.
Packing strategically is the best way to ensure you fit everything you need into your allowed bag, and according to experts, there is one method which seems to be universally agreed to be “the most effective”.
Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms said: “One of the most effective methods to keep your clothes wrinkle-free is to roll them instead of folding them. Rolling not only reduces the number of fold lines but also optimises space in your suitcase, enabling you to pack more efficiently.”
The rolling method has even been approved by cabin crew, who are used to packing as part of their jet-set lifestyle.
Posting to a Reddit forum under the username Phxflyer, a passenger said they had been advised by a flight attendant to always roll their clothes.
They explained: “Definitely roll your clothes. I can get between 12 to 14 days’ worth of clothes in a carry-on rolling bag if I roll, slightly less in the winter. A flight attendant told me about it and I’ve been doing it for a while now.”
However, according to experts from lifestyle brand Oakley, the key to getting the most into your luggage has to do with how you execute the method. They explained: “While the age-old advice of rolling clothes to save space is nothing new, the real game-changer lies in the technique.
“Instead of simply rolling each garment individually, consider layering items within each other before rolling. For example, place socks and underwear inside shirts or pants to create compact bundles that save both space and prevent wrinkles.”
To properly ensure you get the most out of your luggage and are rolling correctly, it’s advised holidaymakers try “ranger rolling”.
Begin by laying the item of clothing out flat. Then fold the bottom two inches of the item inside out so it creates a pocket-type shape along one side of the clothing.
From the opposite end, roll the item tightly until you get to the pocket you have created. Fold one side of the pocket over the roll – this will secure it tightly.