UK holidaymakers are being warned that planning and wearing a special 'airport outfit' is probably not the best move if they want to avoid any additional charges. With many airlines charging extra for checked bags, being caught out at the airport can add significant costs to your trip abroad.
Expert Advice on Smarter Packing
Thankfully, experts at Good Business Travel are sharing the insider packing habits frequent flyers use to avoid unnecessary fees, travel lighter, and beat the dreaded airport bag weigh-in. Natasha Inglis, Client Operations and Success Director at Good Business Travel, said: “Airlines are under pressure to offset rising costs, and baggage fees are one of the easiest ways for them to increase revenue. The good news is that smarter packing genuinely can save people a significant amount of money.”
Ditch the Airport Outfit
One tip Natasha suggests is ditching the airport outfit - an ensemble people plan in advance to look good during the journey itself. The trend, which is now becoming more common, actually works against passengers packing efficiently. She said: "Your airport outfit is one of the most underused packing tools you have. Instead of choosing lighter, aesthetic layers for photos or comfort, you should use travel days strategically, wearing the bulkiest items, heaviest trainers, and thickest layers to free up valuable suitcase space."
The 'Bed Test' and Other Tips
As well as this, Natasha suggests a 'bed test'. This is where you lay everything out on your bed, or the floor, before packing. You then immediately remove at least a third to expose any unnecessary extras or duplicate items that rarely get used. Natasha explained: “It’s a visual shock tactic. Once you see everything together, you realise how much of it you don’t actually need. The key rule is if it’s a ‘maybe’, then it doesn’t make it into the case.”
She also recommends using packing cubes to compress clothes, and a 3-2-1 carry-on rule. The formula includes packing three tops, two bottoms and one outer layer, all chosen so that everything works interchangeably.
Packing Light Saves Money
As travellers continue looking for ways to reduce holiday costs, Natasha says smarter packing is becoming one of the simplest ways to avoid unnecessary spending. She added: “Packing light isn’t about sacrificing comfort. It’s about travelling smarter, avoiding stress, and refusing to pay extra for things you never actually use.”
