For years, savvy travellers have been using a sneaky yet effective trick to bypass airline baggage weight limits: the travel pillow case hack. The idea is simple—take an empty pillowcase, stuff it with clothes, and carry it on as a personal item, passing it off as a travel pillow. Airlines generally don’t count pillows as extra baggage, making this an easy way to shift excess weight out of your checked or carry-on luggage.
However, thanks to TikTok and other social media platforms, this once-hidden gem has gained widespread attention, leading many airlines to catch on. Some have started inspecting ‘pillows’ more closely, while others have outright banned pillowcases that appear suspiciously full. If you’re worried about getting caught, don’t fret—there are still plenty of ways to avoid overweight baggage fees. Here are five alternative hacks to help you pack smarter and save money at the airport.
1. Wear Your Heaviest Clothes
If your suitcase is pushing the weight limit, layer up before heading to the airport. Wearing your bulkiest items—such as jackets, hoodies, and boots—can significantly reduce the weight of your luggage. You can always remove layers once you’re past security and stash them in your bag.
2. Use a Duty-Free Shopping Bag
Many airlines allow passengers to carry an extra bag if it’s from a duty-free store. Some travellers buy a small item at the airport just to get the bag, then discreetly use it to hold extra belongings. While this trick doesn’t work on all airlines, it’s still a clever loophole worth considering.
3. Distribute Weight Between Bags
If you’re travelling with multiple bags, distribute heavy items evenly to avoid exceeding any single bag’s limit. If you’re flying with a companion, see if their bag has extra room and shift some of your heavier items into their luggage.
4. Invest in a Packable Duffel Bag
Some airlines allow a small personal item in addition to a carry-on. A lightweight, foldable duffel bag can be a lifesaver if your checked luggage is overweight. Simply remove heavy items and transfer them to your duffel bag before checking in.
5. Weigh Your Bags Before You Leave
Avoid last-minute surprises at the check-in counter by weighing your luggage at home. A portable luggage scale is an inexpensive investment that can help you repack strategically before heading to the airport.
While the travel pillow case hack might not be as foolproof as it once was, these alternative packing tricks will help you keep your baggage within limits and avoid those hefty airline fees.
Bonus travel tip – download Tengah. It’s the ultimate travel app designed to ensure you won’t get ripped off. Tengah provides users with the fair price to pay for bartered goods and services like tours, taxis, shopping, activities, and more, based on actual purchases made within the past three months in that exact location for the exact same item. Along with an instinctual search system, Tengah also uses AI-powered image recognition, allowing you to snap a photo of an item and instantly see what others have paid for it. Tengah also converts prices into your home currency and works offline—perfect for when you’re deep in a market without WiFi. With Tengah, you can negotiate fairly, avoid scams, and shop with confidence, all while supporting honest vendors. No more bartering!
