Summer travel is in full swing after a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend, with over 45 million Americans predicted to travel at least 50 miles from their homes. Among the travelers, a growing number are embracing a creative workaround to circumvent airline baggage fees by packing clothes and other items into pillowcases. This method allows passengers to carry these items on board for free, as the pillowcase is not classified as baggage. However, the hack is not without its risks, with some experts warning that it can lead to the confiscation of items in the event of a security check. The trend has sparked debates about the effectiveness of such strategies and the balance between cost-saving and compliance with airline rules.
Summer travel is in full swing after a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend, with over 45 million Americans predicted to travel at least 50 miles from their homes. Among these travelers, a growing trend has emerged: people are using a clever yet risky strategy to avoid airline baggage fees. This method involves stuffing everyday items like clothes and other essentials into pillowcases, which are then brought on board without counting toward baggage allowances. The tactic has gained traction on social media, with experts like travel industry professional Gary Leff and consultant Francesca Page commenting on its growing popularity and potential consequences.
According to Leff, the strategy has been circulating on social media for at least two years, and as airline luggage regulations have tightened, more travelers are turning to it. These pillowcases typically allow passengers to carry items such as clothes, toiletries, or even small electronics. However, the practice carries risks, as the airline may confiscate the items it considers as ‘bags’ during a security check. Furthermore, some passengers have taken this method further by packing their pockets with additional clothes and limiting their use of overhead bins and under-seat storage for the same reason. While the hack provides a cost-saving opportunity, it may not be a foolproof solution, and the chances of it working diminish over time as airlines become more vigilant.
Francesca Page, a New York-based travel expert, noted that this trend has caught her attention due to the increase in passengers carrying their own pillows. She observed that the practice has expanded beyond personal comfort to include more essential items. Leff, too, mentioned that while the method is not outright illegal, there is a level of risk involved. For example, if passengers overstuff the pillowcases and the airline’s security measures detect that these items are in excess, the airline may confiscate them or charge additional fees. As the trend continues, travelers may need to consider whether this hack is worth the potential risks or if other alternatives, such as purchasing a second bag or utilizing airline discounts, may be more effective in the long run.