Little-known hack to get free luggage at the airport but comes with a risk

JETSETTERS may want to take note as the latest passenger trend has been revealed and it is so easy, anyone can give it a go.

However, the little-known hack to get free checked luggage isn’t without its risks.

Person pulling pink suitcase through airport. — One passenger asks to check their bag at the boarding gate, which they do for free (stock image)Credit: Getty

Travelers waiting in line at an airport, using their smartphones and standing behind wheeled luggage. — The hack doesn’t come without risks as passengers could be charged to put their hand luggage in the holdCredit: Getty

Airlines across the globe have been cutting their hand luggage allowances in recent years, with many charging passengers to bring a large carry-on item onboard.

In an article in Business Insider, one expert revealed a workaround to get a free checked bag.

They wrote: “I ask to check my bag the minute I get to the gate, regardless of whether it’s been requested.

“The gate agent almost always says yes, and I get to skip the checked-bag fee.”

Henry Harteveldt, the president of Atmosphere Research Group, described this is as a “well-known hack”.

He even suggested asking for the bag to be checked at the last minute.

This is because if it is loaded at the last moment, it has a better chance of being first off the plane and first on the baggage belt – although this is not always guaranteed.

However, the hack isn’t without its risks.

Passengers who haven’t paid for a larger carry-on item may be charged to put their suitcase into the hold.

Additionally, gate staff may measure and weigh the larger carry-on item, leading to additional charges.

The Sun’s Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her expert packing tips

In recent years, airline passengers have been charged for their carry-on items – despite having ‘approved’ bags.

Last year, for instance, one passenger revealed she was forced to pay £70 because her hand luggage was “too deep” for the baggage size checker on her Ryanair flight.

Back in 2023, one woman was told she would have to pay an extra $99 (£81) because her bag was too big for the cabin.

Meanwhile, other passengers have previously taken drastic measures to avoid having to pay for their bigger bags, with one easyJet customer seen snapping the wheels of their suitcase.

More recently, other passengers have started flying ‘naked’ in a bid to avoid baggage fees entirely.

The viral trend sees passengers travelling with just a small purse or bum bag, with just enough space for essentials like a passport, phone, and wallet.

Other holidaymakers even opt to forward their luggage, which they claim is cheaper than checking a bag.

Kyle Potter, executive editor of the website Thrifty Traveler, has given holidaymakers his advice on the best time to add luggage to their basket to make sure it is as affordable as possible.