Passengers pile on extra clothes to avoid baggage fees

Wearing extra layers of clothing is the most common trick to avoid airline baggage fees, a survey has found.

Nearly one in five (17%) travellers save money this way, rising to 26% of those aged 18-24, according to the poll for travel firm eDreams.

Other popular methods to escape baggage charges include carrying heavy items in pockets (12%), hiding one bag inside another (11%) and buying something in an airport shop to use the extra bag (8%).

Just 15% of the 2,000 adults surveyed purchase checked baggage for short breaks when flying with a low-cost carrier.

Ryanair charges up to £60 for checking in a bag weighing up to 20kg, while easyJet's fees reach £45.

Some 22% of people say squashing everything into hand luggage is the most frustrating aspect of travelling with a budget airline, with 19% finding it stressful when their bag is put in the hold of an aircraft because there is no space in overhead lockers.

Wade van Gogh, travel expert at eDreams, said: "Common areas of frustration for passengers across Europe include having to put hand luggage into the hold if the overhead locker is too full and squashing luggage into one bag.

"To overcome these issues, Brits are becoming expert travellers and savvier than ever before, not only making the most of hand luggage requirements but coming up with clever ways to avoid baggage charges on low-cost carriers."

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