Christmas is a busy time for travel, with many people opting to fly to their festive destination. However, with airlines enforcing more stringent guidelines regarding luggage size and weight, as well as listing items banned from hand luggage, it can make packing a headache. Between multiple party outfits and gifts for friends and family, travellers may find it hard to fit everything into the specifications.
“Check the weather before you leave and try and eliminate as many ‘what if’s’ as possible
“Rolling your clothes (not folding!) is another great way to maximise the space in your bag.
“You can apply the same principle to your socks and underwear and then tuck them inside your shoes. These smart techniques will save you space in the rest of your bag and keep money in your pocket.”
The rule doesn’t just apply to clothes either, as Ewart states: “Unless you’re travelling to a remote village with no electricity or running water, most destinations will have the items you’ll need for your trip.
“Reduce your weight at the airport and send any presents ahead of time,” suggests Ewart.
However, he adds a warning: “If you are sending Christmas gifts ahead of your arrival don’t wrap them!
“It may seem like a great idea at first, but security hold the right to rip them open should they want to inspect the package.”
Alas, sometimes taking a lot of luggage as unavoidable, particularly over the festive period.
Travellers should double-check their airline’s baggage policy ahead of time, so as to not to be shocked by unexpected fees at the check-in desk.
“If you are insistent on taking a lot of luggage, then you need to check if the cost of your ticket with speedy boarding is the best value for money,” he says.
“If it’s not, pick another airline – it’s as simple as that!
“Not all airlines are on comparison sites and those that are don’t list all the extra costs.
“Once you’ve established which airline serves your route, take five minutes to explore the booking process of each airline and include the extras that matter to you.
“At the end of the process you’ll have a much clearer idea of the true costs of your flight and bags, and avoid any nasty surprises at check-in.”