Flying with hand luggage: These tricks will save you money
The most expensive part of a vacation is usually the flight—but you can save a lot there, too. Those who fly with hand luggage only pay 30 to 50 percent less, depending on the airline. Especially on long-haul flights, it can save you money if you manage to travel without checked luggage.
Of course, space in your suitcase is limited, but with a few clever tricks and the right strategy, you can fit a surprising amount in – without any extra fees or nasty surprises at the gate.
We present you seven hand luggage hacks tested by travel reporters that are guaranteed to work.
If you don't have to check in luggage but want to bring more than will fit in a backpack, the "Priority Boarding" option is a good choice. For a few euros more, you can not only be one of the first passengers to board the plane—and take advantage of the empty overhead compartments—but also bring an additional piece of luggage on board.
As a priority passenger, you can take more hand luggage with you.
Source: imago/i Images/Gustavo Valiente
This ticket option can be particularly useful with low-cost airlines like Ryanair if you're traveling with one suitcase but don't want to pay the surcharge for large checked baggage. You can also add your second piece of hand luggage later—for example, if you realize you don't have enough space while packing. Sometimes it's even cheaper to add it later.
When it comes to traveling with a suitcase or backpack, tastes differ. The advantage of a suitcase is definitely the greater comfort of not having to carry your luggage. But if your carry-on bag can't weigh more than eight kilograms, and your suitcase already weighs three kilograms when empty, you'll have to skimp on the contents—and that's not good.
Therefore, choose a model with a lightweight frame or travel with a backpack instead. These days, there are not only backpacks specifically designed to fit the maximum permitted carry-on dimensions, but also ones with a vacuum function for on-the-go storage.
And: It's best to check your airline's rules regarding personal belongings in advance. Most airlines allow you to bring a small handbag or fanny pack on board in addition to your carry-on luggage—perfect for storing anything that doesn't fit in your suitcase or backpack.
Clothes, shoes, swimwear, toiletry bag, camera, medication, and a few accessories – how can all the luggage for a two-week trip to Asia fit into a small suitcase? The right folding technique can help: Some people swear by rolling up their clothes, others rely on the 90-degree method . It's important to utilize every possible angle and, for example, stuff shoes or handbags with socks and underwear.
Whether it's bags in your suitcase or packing cubes you bought separately, sorting your things in advance will make both the flight and the trip itself easier. (Symbolic photo)
Source: unsplash.com/Brandless
Even more effective, however, are packing bags or packing cubes: These multi-layered zippered pockets significantly compress the contents, creating more space and keeping your luggage organized. This works best with clothing and soft items.
Have you selected only the essentials, carefully rolled or folded all your clothes, and still not packed away? Then grab a pillowcase from the sofa and stuff it with soft clothing. It's important not to overdo the pillow and avoid packing any hard objects inside that might arouse suspicion at the gate.
A neck pillow also offers additional storage space.
Source: Getty Images
Even more discreet is a neck pillow—you can simply place it around your neck while boarding the plane, and no one will say a word. There are specially designed models that can be filled and have a zipper. It's also important to only store soft clothing inside so the pillow retains its shape.
Your suitcase is already bursting at the seams – and now you're supposed to buy something? This is actually another trick to sneak more carry-on luggage onto the plane. Purchases from airport shops are generally not considered baggage.
If you buy a small item like a bar of chocolate in the duty-free shop, ask for a larger bag. You can then use it to store an extra sweater or similar luggage. Just be sure not to buy liquids like a bottle of wine, as these are packaged in special bags and sealed for security reasons.
Whether it's a coat, a DSLR camera, or a handbag, you can take a lot of extra luggage with you for free if you simply carry it on your body. Cameras and laptops, for example, are not subject to hand luggage restrictions on most airlines and therefore don't need to be packed in your suitcase or backpack.
Is your camera taking up too much space in your suitcase? Simply hang it around your neck.
Source: Getty Images
So you can simply hang a camera around your neck, throw on your sweatshirt or coat for boarding, and hold your laptop or book along with your passport and boarding pass. The gate staff won't mind.
If you've exhausted all the tricks described above, but your things still aren't packed, there's only one thing left to do: get pregnant spontaneously—at least visually. Stuff the extra clothes under your sweater to create a slightly rounded belly. But be careful: Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to the eighth month, but from the 28th week onward, they only allow them with a doctor's note. Therefore, it's advisable not to overdo the "carry-on belly."
For male travel junkies and those who aren't confident enough to attempt the pregnancy trick, we have another tip: the good old fishing vest. The countless pockets can store not only lures and hooks, but also things like deodorant, a power bank, socks, or sunglasses. This not only allows you to smuggle more luggage on board, but also taps into a current fashion trend. Win-win!
Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter, and the best travel deals on our deals page .
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