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Many airlines adopt a business strategy that entices customers with low base prices for tickets, while charging separately for extras such as checked baggage, seat reservations, and priority boarding. These additional fees, often referred to as “ancillary revenue,” generate billions of pounds annually for airlines.
Passengers frequently find paying these add-ons unavoidable—particularly when traveling with children. However, there are ways to minimize or avoid some of these charges. Experts and frequent travelers share practical tips to help reduce flying expenses related to luggage and boarding.
Laura Anne Sargeant, a travel blogger known as Travelling Page Turner, points out that advertised low prices for carry-on bags are often misleading. For instance, easyJet’s claim of a £5.99 fee for carry-on baggage was recently challenged by the UK’s advertising watchdog due to lack of evidence that customers could actually pay that price. In reality, fees are usually closer to £20. Research by consumer group Which? confirms this pattern, finding that the cheapest carry-on prices from budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air are rarely available. To dodge such charges, Laura makes a concerted effort to pack very lightly, relying on hotel toiletries and sharing luggage with companions when possible.
Similarly, solo traveler Wendie Smith of Bristol limits herself to a backpack on her upcoming trip to Southeast Asia to avoid checked baggage fees. She selects a soft backpack that can be compacted more easily and has a suitcase-style unzip feature. Wendie’s clever packing hack involves wearing dry robes with large pockets—garments designed for outdoor swimmers that allow her to carry additional items on her person, sidestepping baggage limits. Travel influencer Chelsea Dickenson also employs similar tactics, emphasizing how stuffing heavier items into clothing pockets can help bypass luggage weight restrictions since airlines weigh bags, not passengers. She advises paying for luggage as early as possible because prices increase significantly at the airport.
It is also crucial to understand each airline’s specific rules regarding cabin baggage. Chelsea warns travelers to measure their bags carefully and not rely on size labels alone, since wheels, handles, and the rigidity of cases can push bags beyond allowed dimensions. Some luggage manufacturers have even designed bags with detachable wheels so travelers can comply with size limits at boarding by removing the wheels and carrying them separately.
When booking flights, beware of upselling tactics that pressure passengers to pay extra for seat selection or priority boarding. If you don’t mind where you sit or don’t need to be near travel companions, letting the airline assign your seat can save you money. Laura Anne considers paying for priority boarding unnecessary, noting that although some travelers worry about overhead bin space, if your carry-on doesn’t fit and is moved to the hold, you won’t face an additional charge—only a delay retrieving your luggage after the flight. Amidst these upsells, there are occasional genuine deals on accommodation or car hire offered during booking, but Laura advises steering clear of buying insurance this way, as it is rarely cost-effective
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