Hand luggage for flights has become increasingly tricky as budget airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair make their allowances ever smaller. This means it’s key to only pack items you absolutely need so as not to clutter up your cabin bag. It can be hard to leave your much-loved belongings at home and some things can seem essential at first. However, a travel expert has revealed one set of things you should never take if you’re short of space.
Adam Ewart, founder of luggage shipping company Send My Bag, has shared his top packing tip.
He advises against packing toiletries as they will take up lots of space and can be brought at your destination.
“There are few more heavy and bulky items than bottled liquids, gels and aerosols, and they are also prone to leaking and can cause a security concern,” said Ewart.
“Items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash and sunblock can be bought at your destination for minimal amounts versus luggage costs with most airlines.”
What’s more, it’s likely your hotel will offer a fair few of these items for free – and you can always check if you’re unsure.
“You can massively cut down on your toiletries by doing a little bit of forward planning,” travel journalist Lizzie Pook told Cosmopolitan.
“If you’re staying at a hotel, take a look at its website to see if there are any mentions of the toiletries provided in the bathroom.
“If not, send an email and ask, then you don’t need to take those products with you.”
With such touch restrictions, it can be helpful to avoid overpacking be questioning why you’re taking it.
“If your answer starts with the words ‘if’ or ‘in case of’, or if you only plan to use it once, then you may want to reconsider taking it. Check the weather and try and eliminate as many ‘what if’s’ as possible,” said Ewart.
“Remember most places you will stay in will have facilities available on site or nearby for you to wash your clothes should the worst happen. Keep this in mind when packing your bag, you are probably taking too much!”
Ryanair priority boarding passengers are allowed one small bag (40x20x25cm), plus a larger cabin bag (55x40x20cm) with a maximum weight allowance of 10kg into the cabin.
Those who do not have priority boarding will only be able to bring one small cabin bag on board free of charge.
easyJet passengers can only take one cabin bag per person on board. The easyJet website explains: “There’s no weight limit but we do ask that you are able to lift it into the overhead locker.”
They warn of the limited space on a standard easyJet aircraft, and continue: “Cabin space is limited and there’s only room for up to 70 cabin bags so the overhead lockers fill up quickly.
EasyJet added: “We check bag sizes before you board. If they’re bigger than the maximum 56x45x25cm (including handles and wheels), they can’t go in the cabin and we’ll have to check them into the aircraft hold for a charge.”
Yet for those who simply can’t travel light, help is at hand if customers are willing to pay an extra charge.
lexi, Upfront, Extra Legroom customers and easyJet Plus cardholders all get the option to bring an extra under seat bag, such as a laptop to handbag, along with them.