Five top tips to beat baggage costs when you’re flying – and what to watch out for

EVERYONE dreads that moment when your luggage is put on the scale and you find out if you need to splurge for your overweight bags.

But with these five top tips for avoiding baggage costs when flying, you’ll be well prepared for a stress-free trip.

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On top of that, there’s one big thing to watch out for – sneaky stealth costs.

Due to the so-called “baggage tax”, a seemingly cheap flight often costs much more – simply because you add the baggage costs later.

With costs like “guaranteed carry-on luggage,” it’s no surprise that jet-setters resort to underhanded tactics of their own.

But what does that mean exactly?

Well, passengers flying with Jet2.com now have to pay an additional fee if they want to make sure their carry-on baggage doesn’t end up in the hold.

On busy flights, it has become common for airlines to ask people to check in their carry-on bags so they can be stored downstairs with the checked bags.

Jet2.com now charges passengers prices from £2.59 each way to ensure they can travel with their hand luggage.

The airline’s ‘Guaranteed Hand Baggage’ option will be offered to customers just prior to purchasing their ticket online.

There are a few easy ways to save those extra pennies.

Five budget-friendly luggage hacks

1 Purchase all toiletries once you are at the airport instead of bringing them from home.

Purchase these after check-in and security to free up your free weight for other items.

2 Don’t be tempted to buy luggage packages.

It’s usually cheaper to buy a single 23kg tote bag later for the whole family – pack light.

3 Make the most of what you have.

So if you have children, use any items you are allowed to take on board as extra storage – put clothes in the car seat rack or buggy bag.

Some airlines even offer sports equipment accessories that are not weighed. They fit a decent amount in a large golf or gym bag…

4 carry things themselves.

Your laptop, phone and other devices can stay in your hands or pockets.

Children might even carry bulky toys.

Keep an extra foldable bag in your carry-on and re-orientate your bag once in flight.

5 Buy an expert bag.

Some backpacks have a much larger capacity than your basic purse or backpack, so make sure to pack wisely with this clever trick.

There are many other nifty tricks for traveling in style.

This travel expert revealed how flying always gets in trouble.

And those are the three etiquette rules that flight attendants want all passengers to follow.

Meanwhile, this flight attendant shared a clever trick to getting more space when flying Economy without having to pay extra.