Strategies for Travelers Seeking to Avoid Baggage Fees When Flying in the Year 2024
Travel gloriously this year without breaking the bank! Here's a superb checklist to bring your carry-on game to the next level.
by Maitland Quitmeyer, BuzzFeed Staff***
Carry-On Essentials
Bring a packable raincoat or a compact travel umbrella for those unexpected downpours.The AmazonBasics Compact Travel Umbrella is perfect for sneaking into your purse, measuring only 7.2" x 4.6" and sporting a hooded carrying case to protect it from rain when not in use.
Check weather forecasts for your destination to pack appropriate clothing.
Create a packing list of everything you need, so you don't pile unnecessary items onto your suitcase like a maniac at the last minute.
Select the largest possible personal item for your carry-on, such as a spacious travel-friendly backpack.
Choose a suitcase that fits your airline's size requirements, and make your life easier by picking one from Amazon based on your airline!
Promising review: "Bought this cheap, lightweight umbrella for an autumn trip to Edinburgh. It worked perfectly!! It was really windy there and it did pop inside-out a few times, but I just pushed it back into place. The pod holder is really great for folding it up when wet and keeping your bag safe from it!" - Lynn ThompsonGet it from Amazon for $13.95 (available in 11 colors).
Packing Tips
Keep dirty laundry in check by separating stinky socks into a compact laundry bag.
Create a mini capsule wardrobe, sticking to a single color palette with a few accent colors.
Fold one bra cup inside-out into the other, then tuck the straps and band inside that cup for a space-saving packing method that won't ruin your favorite bras.
Use any open spaces in your shoes (lookin' at you, space between metal bars!) to squeeze in socks, bathing suits, or undies.
Pick out lightweight and versatile clothing for easy layering and maximum versatility.
Compress your items with space-saver bags to make the most of your luggage space.These aren't vacuum-powered, so there's no need for an extra appliance! Simply pop in your belongings and roll to remove air through the valves.
Organize items within your suitcase by day, clothing type, or trip segment (e.g., city, beach, weather).
Or use the KonMari fold or Military fold method for squeezed-tight clothing.
Learn from mom and roll your clothes to save space and make it easier to search for individual items.
Travel Accessories
A hanging toiletry bag makes carrying all your beauty products a breeze.The Simple Houseware 4-Tier Lightweight Tote Travel Bag is the way to go, featuring multiple compartments, an extendable hook, and clever dividers to keep everything tidy.
If your favorite skincare brand doesn't make a travel set, create your own!
Add an extra leakproof layer to your toiletries with cling wrap.
Stay organized with TSA-friendly travel bottles that you can refill.
Keep all your vital items together in a travel wallet for easy access at security and while traveling.
Stay hydrated during long-haul flights with a collapsible water bottle, like the Ultra-Flex Silicone Collapsible Water Bottle.
I bought this for a multi-stop trip, and I was legit shocked at how much I could fit inside – and it zips up to be surprisingly small! I bought the “medium” which was plenty big for my needs, especially if you're packing in a carry-on. Plus, there's no need to unpack on the hotel bathroom counter – just unroll and hang. It's also incredibly lightweight and easy to pack!
Promising review: "Seriously?! Do you see how much this holds?! Full shampoo bottles, face washes, hair brush...everything I could need or want to bring fits in THIS ONE BAG! And it's so cute! Feels like great quality too — all the hardware came with protective wraps to keep from scratching and the zippers feel very hardy. The hook at the top is also VERY WELL-SECURED to the bag and almost feels like seatbelt material. And I love the extra pockets and netting inside. I would absolutely recommend this!" - mahea_c
Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in eight colors).
- Don't forget to wash clothes you'll be re-wearing during your trip! Use compact laundry detergent packets like these Simply Green Travel Size Laundry Detergent Sheets.
- Remember to set aside space for dirty laundry so all your careful rolling won't be for naught.
- Keep all your jewelry safe and organized with a tiny, beautiful velvet jewelry case like the Yigangg Bird-Cage Travel Jewelry Case.
- Forget about bulky neck pillows and opt for the ingenious TRTL Pillow. It folds up neatly and wraps around your neck to offer comfortable sleeping support while upright.
- Toss your essentials (cash, boarding pass, passport) into a travel wallet that makes it easy to view everything.
- Swap out your heavy jewelry for a pocket-sized, refillable rose gold travel perfume atomizer, like the Simple Stainless Steel Roll-On Atomizers.No leaks, just lots of fragrance!
Promising review: "I bought these due to traveling a lot for work and needing to cut down on the size of things in my carry-on bag for flying. I can bring four different perfumes now instead of one big one. They're super easy to fill, haven't leaked so far but I keep them in a sandwich baggie while traveling just in case. I would 100% buy them again." - Emily
- Invest in a amazing 2-in-1 straightener and curling iron, like the Bedhead by TIGI 8" Revolutions Ceramic Tourmaline Wand Iron.Mini and dual-voltage, so ideal for international trips!
- Don't skimp on a peaceful sleep: opt for a super-tiny mini white noise machine, like the Marc by Marc Jacobs Dotted Mini Sound Machine.
15 compact sounds, including fan, rain, white noise, and more, keep you blissfully snoozing on your adventures - even when you're sharing a room with a loud snorer.
Promising review: "I was certainly skeptical regarding this sound machine. I mean, how could this little round thing produce big noise? Well, I'm here to tell you it does! I was astounded that after I had charged it up, and turned it on the huge sound that came out of this! I enjoy the fan noise the best. I read the reviews beforehand, and most were very positive. There aren't many bells and whistles with this model, just a simple on/off switch, volume control, and another switch to turn it into a nightlight. If you need something with more options, there are other noise machines available on the market that have more functions at a higher price. But for 25 dollars, this is a great value!" - T. Bellati
- Wear bulky shoes on the plane for comfort, and pack them using shower caps to keep them clean during the flight.
- If you run cold, wear a blanket scarf instead of a heavy sweater for the perfect on-the-go warmth.
- Embrace the age of technology and leave weighty books at home by using a Kindle Paperwhite!
- Pack a collapsible duffel for future shopping sprees, hiding the duffel in your carry-on's "personal item" slot.I won't tell!
- For families, a lightweight, compact stroller like the Uppababy G-LUXE Stroller is perfect for traveling with ease. Weighing under 12 pounds and fitting in overhead bins or under a seat, this ultra-portable stroller has a cozy newborn lounger and is ready to hit the road with your little one!
BuzzFeed.com | Sources (1)Why You Should Embrace Minimalist Travel (And How to Do It) *; (2)Packing Light: Pro Tips for Saving Space in Your Carry-On *; (3)How to Organize Your Suitcase (And Your Life) | Amazon.com and partner sites
- In the market for a new carry-on suitcase? Consider the AmazonBasics Compact Travel Umbrella (BLACK) for your personal item, offering a hooded carrying case and measuring only 7.2" x 4.6". Available for purchase in 11 colors for $13.95.
- Following the market trend, a majority of travelers prioritize a suitcase that fits their airline's size requirements and can be found on Amazon based on their airline.
- When it comes to the priority post of packing, create a detailed packing list to avoid last-minute clutter in your suitcase and carefully choose lightweight and versatile clothing for easy layering.
- In 2024, don't forget to wash clothes you'll be re-wearing during your trip and keep dirty laundry in check by using compact laundry detergent packets like Simply Green Travel Size Laundry Detergent Sheets.
- If you're looking for a travel accessory to make your carry-on game truly remarkable, invest in the Bedhead by TIGI 8" Revolutions Ceramic Tourmaline Wand Iron, designed for convenient international use with a dual voltage feature. Save space in your suitcase with ingenious products like the Yigangg Bird-Cage Travel Jewelry Case, a pocket-sized rose gold travel perfume atomizer, or a mini white noise machine to guarantee peaceful sleep on your adventures.
