THOUSIF ZIYA, founder of TRAVEL WITH THOUSIF Blog, shares 10 essential airport baggage tips to help you avoid unexpected fees and travel stress-free.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Traveling is an exciting adventure but comes with its fair share of stress, especially regarding luggage.
From ensuring your documents are ready to ensure your bag meets airline requirements, there is a lot to remember.
THOUSIF ZIYA, the founder of TRAVEL WITH THOUSIF, shares some invaluable tips for avoiding unnecessary baggage fees at the airport.
Many travelers make simple mistakes that can lead to unexpected charges.
Let us dive into THOUSIF ZIYA’s top 10 tips to make your next airport experience a breeze.
1. Avoid the Baggage Sizer Trap
THOUSIF ZIYA’s first advice is to avoid using the baggage sizer at the airport unless airline staff explicitly asks you to.
When travelers feel unsure about the size of their hand luggage, they often make the mistake of voluntarily testing it in the baggage sizer.
According to THOUSIF ZIYA, doing this can backfire and lead to a staff member questioning whether your bag complies with the size limits.
“If you come to the airport and your bag is slightly too big, do not go near the baggage sizer,” THOUSIF ZIYA warns.
“That is one sure-fire way to highlight to the staff that you think it is too big, and they may ask you to put it in the baggage sizer.”
The key takeaway here is: Step away from the baggage sizer!
The sizer is for staff use only, and unnecessarily using it may result in your bag being scrutinized more closely.
2. Know Your Airline’s Luggage Allowances
Not all airlines have the same policies regarding hand luggage.
Requirements like size and weight can vary and even change over time.
Before packing, always check your airline’s website for the most up-to-date information on luggage restrictions.
Never assume that the bag you used on your previous trip will be OK for your next flight!
3. Use a Bag with Correct Measurements
Invest in a bag that meets the airline’s requirements to avoid stress at the airport.
An appropriately sized bag will prevent the temptation to overpack, which can cause your bag to expand beyond acceptable dimensions, leading to potential problems.
4. Measure and Weigh Your Bag at Home
Once your bag is packed, measure and weigh it at home.
Bags can sometimes expand slightly when filled, so ensure they fit within the airline’s limits.
Weighing it beforehand helps you avoid any nasty surprises at the check-in counter.
5. Choose the Right Bag Material
Opt for bags made of flexible materials.
Hard-shell bags might look stylish but can easily exceed size limits when overpacked.
Soft-sided bags are often easier to fit into tight spaces and can be slightly compressed if needed.
6. Pack Strategically
Packing strategically can make all the difference.
Roll your clothes to save space, and use packing cubes to stay organized.
Packing efficiently helps fit everything into your bag and keeps you from overpacking and exceeding weight limits.
7. Be Mindful of Airline Changes
Airlines frequently update their baggage policies.
Even if you are a frequent traveler, checking the current guidelines before every trip is always best.
Ignoring changes can lead to unexpected fees.
8. Avoid Overpacking
While bringing extra items is tempting, overpacking is a significant reason bags exceed size limits.
Stick to the essentials and pack versatile items.
This will make it easier to stay within the airline’s allowed dimensions.
9. Keep Heavier Items at the Bottom
Place heavier items like shoes or electronics at the Bottom of your bag when packing.
This ensures better weight distribution and helps prevent your bag from tipping over when upright.
It can also help you quickly fit your bag into the overhead compartment.
10. Stay Calm and Confident
Lastly, confidence is vital.
Stay calm if you are unsure about your bag’s size, but have done everything to ensure it is within the limit.
The more confident you look, the less likely you will draw attention to your luggage.
Why Avoiding the Baggage Sizer Matters
The baggage sizer is not your friend.
When travelers willingly approach the baggage sizer, they are inadvertently signaling to airline staff that there may be an issue with their luggage size.
Instead, ensure your bag meets the requirements before arriving at the airport.
This small step can save you from unnecessary stress, delays, and unexpected fees.
Conclusion
Air travel is already complicated enough without the added stress of unexpected luggage fees.
Following Thousif Ziya’s advice and ensuring your luggage complies with airline requirements can help you avoid the dreaded baggage sizer and make your journey smoother.
Remember to check your airline’s luggage policy, pack smart, and measure your bag at home.
These simple steps will save you time, money, and stress at the airport.
If you found this post helpful, share it with your fellow travelers. Also, remember to check out our other travel tips to make your next trip hassle-free!
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