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How to Save Money on Holiday Flights with Smart Packing
October 23, 2026
To save money on holiday flights, the most effective step is to give up the large suitcase and fly with a backpack only (an underseat bag) in the exact dimensions low-cost airlines allow (such as 40x20x25 cm). Combining compression packing cubes, rolling your clothes and choosing versatile outfits will completely avoid the inflated baggage fees at the airport.
What happened in Vietnam and how it relates directly to your wallet
A report recently published on the Vietnamese news site Vietnam.vn suggested that local travelers ahead of the September 2 holiday take one small extra step when booking flight tickets to save hundreds of thousands of dong (the local currency). The tip focused on carefully checking hidden baggage costs and combining services correctly when booking online. But the truth is that travelers everywhere face a similar dilemma in busy holiday seasons: ticket prices soar, and airlines use the demand to charge huge sums for our suitcases.
While a small change in the online booking steps can save you a little, the real and most significant saving lies in one brave decision: stop paying for unnecessary baggage. Airlines have turned suitcase pricing into an exact science, and the only way to win this game is to arrive prepared with the right gear in the right dimensions.
The airlines' new rules of the game
If in the past a flight ticket automatically included a large suitcase and even a carry-on, today almost every low-cost airline (such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet), and even full-service airlines on short routes, offer a very basic ticket that includes only a "personal item" that fits under the seat in front of you. Anyone who exceeds these dimensions, or has to upgrade the ticket at the airport itself, discovers that the suitcase can cost more than the flight ticket itself.
To avoid these fees, you need to understand the differences between the types of baggage. Airlines measure your bags in special sizers placed at the boarding gate. A backpack designed for low-cost flights is built to use every centimeter of the allowed space, without going over the limits that would bring a heavy fee.
Comparing baggage types on low-cost flights
To bring some order to the chaos, we gathered the plain facts that will help you understand where you can save on every family flight:
| Type of baggage | Typical allowed dimensions (cm) | Location on the plane | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal backpack (underseat) | 40 x 25 x 20 | Under the seat in front of you | Free (included in the ticket) |
| Carry-on / cabin bag | 55 x 40 x 20 | In the overhead bin | Paid extra, each way |
| Large suitcase (checked bag) | Up to 158 cm (including wheels) | In the hold (check-in) | Paid extra, each way, usually the most expensive option |
The art of minimalist packing: how to fit a week into one backpack
Many travelers are sure there is no way to manage a vacation of a few days without a huge suitcase. Reality shows something completely different. With a few simple techniques the pros use, you can pack remarkably efficiently:
- The rolling method (Ranger Rolling): do not fold clothes flat. Roll them into tight rolls. This method not only saves about 30% of the volume in the bag but also prevents wrinkles.
- Using packing cubes: packing cubes are the well-kept secret of frequent travelers. They let you divide the bag into categories (tops, underwear, cables and toiletries) and squeeze the air out, which keeps everything perfectly in order and uses the bag's volume to the full.
- The 3-1-1 rule for liquids: instead of taking large shampoo bottles, decant liquids into small bottles of up to 100 ml and gather them in a clear, accessible toiletry bag. This will save you precious time at security and prevent expensive products from being thrown away.
- Wear the weight: heavy, bulky items such as coats, jeans or heavy walking shoes are best worn during the flight itself. Keep the light, thin clothes for the bag.
Choosing the right gear: the difference between a fee and a smooth flight
To put these tips into practice successfully, the most important step is choosing the right gear. A regular school backpack or a generic business bag usually does not suit the task: it may be too long or too narrow, and not use the allowed width. A travel bag designed for low-cost flights is built like a small suitcase that opens 180 degrees, giving easy access to all your items without messing up the bag during the trip.
It is also a good idea to bring small accessories that can prevent unpleasant surprises at the airport. A small digital hand scale will help you make sure you do not exceed the weight limit (usually 8 to 10 kg for hand luggage), and a quality luggage tag or a tracker holder (like an AirTag) will make sure that even if the bag is sent to the hold at the last minute because the bins are full, you always know exactly where it is.
Based on a report: When booking flights for the September 2 holiday, try this extra step to save a few hundred thousand dong.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the allowed dimensions for a free backpack on popular low-cost airlines?
On airlines like Ryanair the allowed dimensions are 40x25x20 cm, while on Wizz Air they are 40x30x20 cm. Check your airline's exact guidelines before packing to avoid fees at the boarding gate.
Can I really pack for a week's vacation in just one backpack?
Definitely. With packing cubes, the rolling method and a careful choice of versatile clothes that combine easily (mix and match), you can pack clothes and gear for a whole week in a 20 to 25 liter backpack.
What happens if my backpack is a few centimeters over the allowed size?
If the bag is flexible and not overstuffed, you can usually squeeze it into the sizer at the airport. However, if the bag is rigid or too bulky and does not fit the sizer, the ground staff may charge you a high fee on the spot, which can reach tens of euros each way.
How do packing cubes help save money on flights?
Packing cubes help you divide your gear smartly, squeeze the air out of clothes and use the backpack's volume to the last centimeter. That avoids having to upgrade your ticket to a carry-on or a large suitcase and saves a lot on baggage fees.
