A new TikTok travel hack has seen holidaymakers being refused onboard their flight, and it’s all to do with how they’re packing their luggage
When it comes to jet-setting, there are specific rules and regulations we must adhere to at the airport, particularly regarding what you can pack and how much is permitted in the UK. However, a recent TikTok trend has resulted in travellers being denied boarding.
The ‘travel packing’ trend has seen a whopping 402 per cent increase in Google searches over the past month alone. Travel packing involves holidaymakers seeking innovative ways to maximise their luggage space – a necessity as budget airlines continue to tighten their baggage allowances. Nonetheless, holiday provider Travel Republic has unveiled some top travel hacks that won’t land you in hot water at the airport this summer.
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So, what’s this TikTok travel hack all about? In 2023, the ‘pillow hack’ was making waves on social media, reports the Express. This crafty trick involved passengers stuffing an empty pillowcase or neck pillow with extra clothes to dodge paying for an additional bag for clothing.
TikToker, @natashaorganic, recently posted a video showing the hack spectacularly backfiring, which has amassed 2.8 million views and nearly 300,000 likes.
The footage depicts a passenger looking rather disgruntled after staff at Orlando International Airport informed them they needed to pay for extra baggage for their pillowcase full of clothes.
This resulted in a dispute with the airport staff, and as the passenger failed to comply with their request, they were subsequently denied boarding and escorted from the gate by airport police.
No traveller would want to invest all that time, money, and effort only to be informed that they cannot board their flight.
Kate Staniforth, head of marketing at Travel Republic, commented: “Whilst many TikTok users have claimed this hack works, unfortunately, this is not always the case and you can be caught out.
“It’s down to the discretion of the airline staff, meaning you could be left with a choice between paying for additional luggage or leaving your items behind.
“You don’t want to risk the enjoyment of going on holiday and having to either leave your possessions or pay for additional luggage at the airport as it is nearly always cheaper to pay for baggage in advance.”