As the summer holidays approach, many travellers are preparing for sun-soaked escapes abroad. While getting away should be relaxing, packing often turns into a stressful task—especially when it comes to avoiding costly overweight baggage fees.
Last year, 21% of travellers ended up paying excess baggage charges at airports. Budget airlines like easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair commonly charge around £12 per kilogram over the limit, while TUI’s fees range between £14 and £18 per kilo. More premium carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and British Airways apply fixed fees, with Virgin charging £65 for overweight bags and a hefty £200 for oversized luggage.
In 2024 alone, UK travellers spent roughly £205 million on these extra fees, with 7.32 million passengers paying anywhere from £12 to £65 each. Given that even a single pair of trainers can weigh between 1 and 1.5 kilograms, it’s easy to unintentionally push your suitcase beyond the limit.
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To help travellers pack efficiently and stylishly, fashion experts at Joe Browns recommend following the 5-4-3-2-1 packing system. This method encourages prioritizing essential items in a clever way to maximize outfit versatility while keeping luggage light. For example, packing two versatile dresses suitable for both day and night means more style options without extra bulk.
Their advice includes assembling a capsule wardrobe using a coordinated color palette so that every piece mixes and matches, allowing up to 30 different outfits from just 15 items. They also suggest selecting lightweight, travel-friendly fabrics like viscose, cotton blends, and breathable crepes to reduce weight.
Other expert tips include wearing your heaviest shoes or thick sweaters to the airport to save luggage space, planning outfits ahead to ensure versatility, and opting for miniature or multi-use makeup and skincare products to minimize clutter.
Lastly, weigh your bag before heading to the airport to avoid surprise fees and travel with confidence.
By packing smartly and thoughtfully, you can save money and enjoy a hassle-free start to your holiday.