The Trick to Avoid Paying for Carry-On Luggage, According to a Flight Attendant

author

Edgar Loper

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·

The Trick to Avoid Paying for Carry-On Luggage, According to a Flight Attendant

A flight attendant shares how you can carry more carry-on luggage without paying extra
A flight attendant shares how you can carry more carry-on luggage without paying extra photo by viajar.elperiodico.com
Discover how to carry more carry-on luggage: a flight attendant explains.
Discover how to carry more carry-on luggage: a flight attendant explains. photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

Many travelers feel extremely confused when it comes to flying, mainly due to the changes that different airlines make regarding carry-on luggage size.

Until recently, the most economical fare (even with low-cost airlines) allowed you to board with one carry-on bag and what was considered a personal item. Now things have changed, and it is more necessary than ever to implement tricks to avoid paying for carry-on luggage, according to a flight attendant.

Flight attendants, or as they are called, TCPs (Transport Cabin Personnel), spend many hours flying and do not always return home for overnight stays. Therefore, they are experts at packing and unpacking bags with everything needed to be away from home for a couple of days. And keep in mind, their carry-on bags usually have very limited dimensions and, moreover, have to fit a spare uniform just in case any mishap occurs during their work shift.

Tips for Packing Your Suitcase

Do you know how to pack your suitcase efficiently?
Do you know how to pack your suitcase efficiently? photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

Before revealing the ultimate trick to help you transport as many items as possible in your suitcase without having to pay a supplemental fee, it's always wise to consider some tips that are quite common among flight attendants, pilots, and frequent travelers.

  • Plan what you will wear each day and forget about 'just-in-case' items. They take up too much space, and it will be much cheaper to buy something at your destination if, suddenly, an unplanned event comes up.
  • Follow the best expert tips for packing a suitcase the Marie Kondo way. Rolling clothes usually takes up much less space.
  • Items that take up more space (sweaters, coats, or shoes) can be worn on you. Yes, we know it's a hassle to take off your boots at airport security, but doing so will allow you to fit more in your luggage.
  • The same goes for certain accessories like hats, headphones, glasses, or belts... If worn, they leave more space in your bag for other things.
Thanks to these tips, carry-on luggage will no longer be a source of worry when you board the plane.
Thanks to these tips, carry-on luggage will no longer be a source of worry when you board the plane. photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

If after following all these tips you still can't fit everything necessary in your suitcase, it's time to discover the ultimate trick shared by a flight attendant. It is indeed possible to buy a backpack that meets all the regulatory dimensions, which also compresses the contents and reduces luggage to unexpected limits. These special backpacks can be purchased online on Amazon, AliExpress, or Temu if you're looking for a mid-range option.

If you prefer to make a good investment, the brand Airback offers quality pieces starting at around $190, and if you want to spend the least possible, you can always get small plastic bags that can also be vacuum sealed with the device sold together for just under $20 for a set of 5 bags.

Ultimately, with the tips you just read and a vacuum compression backpack, forget about paying extra for your carry-on luggage. A flight attendant's word.