It’s a risky tactic (Picture: Getty Images)
We all know it’s better for your back and your budget to pack light when you go away, but sometimes you just need a little extra room for your belongings.
To avoid forking out for a checked bag, some savvy travellers make use of loopholes in hand luggage rules with various packing ‘hacks’. Yet although many get away with it, that’s not always the case.
This week, a TikTok video posted by @natashaorganic showed the potential consequences of trying to evade carry-on guidelines.
The clip showed a man being escorted away from the gate at Orlando International Airport by police following an exchange with staff at the desk.
While it’s hard to hear exactly what went down during the interaction, Natasha explained in the caption: ‘This dude was trying to take in a pillowcase full of clothing and other items, which he is stating is simply just a pillowcase.’
The TikToker claimed the man was informed he’d have to pay for the extra ‘bag’ before boarding and he initially declined. After they closed the doors to the jetway he then changed his mind, but by that point it was too late.
@natashaorganic
Stop listening to the internet #airline #travelhacks #pillow #frontier #mco #orlando
♬ original sound – natashaorganic
When he tried to push through and get on the flight anyway, staff allegedly told him, ‘we gave you your chance and you didn’t pay for it,’ before eventually calling the police to remove him from the airport.
Natasha warned viewers to ‘stop listening to the internet’, alluding to a viral trick that’s remarkably similar to the one this man tried (and failed) to pull off.
A number of creators have shared their own version of the method, which involves stuffing a travel pillow with clothing you can’t quite fit in your bag. TikToker Anayo Awuzie managed to dodge a $60 excess baggage fee on one trip with a zippable option, for example. Another, Kristen Black created a DIY version by rolling up her garments into a sausage shape and tying it round her neck.
It’s certainly not failsafe, but there is some logic to it: in general, airlines tend not to be too strict about a small travel pillow, especially if you’re wearing it as you board.
@anayotothe
My flight is in 3 hours let’s see how this goes! #travelhacks #budgettravel #travelpillow #blackgirltravel #blacktravelfeed
♬ original sound – Ayo!
However, this man was less sneaky about his plan, using a standard pillowcase and filling it right up. Inconspicuous it was not.
Travel writer Matthew Klint, who runs the Live and Let’s Fly blog, previously commented on the trend, saying: ‘Stuffing socks and …read more
Source:: Metro
