Hidden fees enforced by airlines can quickly turn an inexpensive getaway into an unexpectedly pricey trip, especially for those caught off guard by strict hand luggage rules. Many travellers assume their cabin bag will be fine – only to be hit with a hefty charge at the boarding gate for exceeding the airline’s size limits. Some carriers charge up to £75 for hand luggage that is just slightly oversized, forcing passengers to either pay up or risk being unable to board their flight.

With one ultra-low-cost airline reportedly operating 2,400 flights per day in February 2025, it’s clear that budget travel is booming, but so are the additional costs that come with it.

Ian McIlrath, Managing Director at ski tour operator Ski Solutions, warned: “One of the most common surprises holidaymakers face when booking a holiday is the additional cost of baggage.

“While many think their checked bags are included, airlines often charge hefty fees for oversized or added luggage, and ski equipment in particular can quickly push a traveller’s baggage into the overweight or oversized categories.”

However, there’s a simple trick that could help passengers sidestep last-minute luggage fees, or at least, use their money towards something more beneficial to them.

If your hand luggage is slightly too big, McIlrath suggested making use of airport shopping bags to redistribute your belongings.

He explained: “If you are struggling for space and you haven’t brought any additional luggage with you other than a cabin bag, or if you are worried that it will be oversized, it is worth buying a bag from one of the shops or duty free to pack any excess items.

“Typically, goods bought in an airport won’t count towards your baggage allowance, including click and collect orders, so you could bend the rules a little bit here by packing a little more into a shopping bag, provided that it’s from a retailer within the airport and not just any old supermarket bag.”

While this hack has helped many savvy travellers dodge unnecessary fees, it does come with some risks.

The specialist added: “Whilst these tips can be used for packing inspiration, they can never be guaranteed to work, particularly some of the riskier ones, and airline staff unfortunately reserve the right to refuse you service should you be in clear breach of their terms and conditions.”

Ultimately, the best way to avoid unexpected charges is to double-check an airline’s luggage policy before travelling, but for those caught out at the last minute, this clever trick could be the difference between an easy flight and an expensive surprise at the gate.