You'll never travel the same way again!
You know that moment when you’re standing at the check-in counter or boarding gate at the airport, just praying that you won’t end up having to check your bag? You really thought it was within the carry-on limits … but you also really wanted to squeeze in that one extra sweater, and now it might be just a little bit over. Lucky for you, I have a trick that will prevent this sort of stress.
As a chronic overpacker and unapologetic travel hacker, I’ve learned that the difference between breezing through the airport and getting delayed by last-minute bag checks often comes down to a ridiculously simple strategy. It’s a one I’ve used for years—and one I’ve noticed other savvy travelers using while the rest of the terminal struggles with stuffed carry-ons, surprise baggage fees and security-line chaos. Interestingly, this hack isn’t new, but it has been gaining popularity as airlines find ever more creative ways to charge us for every little thing we bring on board.
So what is it? Read on to discover the travel move frequent fliers swear by. It will definitely change the way you pack!
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What is the genius travel trick you should try?
@jenselter Pay for extra baggage? Nah, I’ll just become the baggage. 😂 #travel #hack #airport ♬ original sound – Jen Selter
Frequent fliers avoid paying extra baggage fees by wearing their bulkiest clothing and accessories on the plane instead of packing them. That means slipping on layers you’d normally pack into your suitcase—think: a T-shirt under a long-sleeve shirt, topped with a sweatshirt or hoodie, plus your heaviest winter coat. (Yes, even if it’s not cold where you are.) The goal is to keep the thick, space-hogging pieces on your body so your carry-on stays lighter and leaner.
We came across a now-viral TikTok clip of a woman cracking the code in the most relatable way. She put on one hoodie, wrapped another around her waist and and then slipped a zip-up over everything. Once she passed through the boarding gate, she peeled them all off as if nothing had ever happened.
It may seem like a hassle, but the savings add up fast. Depending on the airline and destination, a first checked bag can run about $35 on domestic flights and around $75 internationally. If your bag ends up being overweight or oversized, especially during international travel, you may incur fees ranging from $75 to $200 or more.
How do you go about this, exactly?
If you want to avoid overweight luggage fees without looking and feeling like a huge marshmallow, here’s how to layer smartly depending on your destination:
For a cold-weather trip:
- Start with a long-sleeve tee or thermal as your base
- Add a hoodie or fleece as your mid-layer
- Top it with your bulkiest coat or puffer
- Wear your heaviest boots
- Slip hats, gloves or other cold-weather accessories into your coat pockets
For a warm-weather trip:
- Begin with a tank top as your base
- Layer your most breathable tee on top
- Tie a lightweight sweater, or whatever your heaviest warm-weather layer is, around your waist
- Wear your bulkiest shoes
- Tuck sunglasses, hats or other small accessories into your outer layers
- Keep a light scarf handy in case the cabin gets chilly
What should you always layer—even if you don’t go crazy with the layering?
Even if you don’t go overboard with this layering hack, there are a few items you should always wear when you fly.
- Your bulkiest jacket to save space in your luggage. It can also be used as a blanket.
- A hoodie or zip-up because they’re easy to take off. Plus, planes can be surprisingly cold, and airports can get drafty too. A hoodie keeps you warm and gives you extra pockets for any essentials you want handy.
- Your heaviest shoes, not heels or flip-flops. Think sturdy sneakers or supportive boots—the kind of shoes you can walk a mile in (because you never know!). Wearing them frees up space in your suitcase without sacrificing comfort at the terminal.
What should you keep in mind if you try this?
When you use this layering hack, the main thing to remember is to keep it practical. Most flight attendants won’t stop you for wearing extra layers, but you will need to shed some pieces when you hit security. Just slip them into a bin, breeze through and then put them back on or stuff them in your bag. And if you feel overheated on the plane, peel everything off and keep them on your lap, seat or tucked into your personal bag, if you have space. The layering hack is really no different from the classic pillowcase trick, where people stuff clothes inside. It’s just a lot more functional and a lot less obvious.
And if you ever feel like the layers are getting to be too much, you can easily adjust your approach. As one Reddit user put it: “What I do now is a) pack less overall so that everything I do pack has a space, regardless of what I choose to wear on travel days and b) I avoid packing bulky gear, but rather layer thinner gear that is more versatile.”
With the layering travel hack, the goal isn’t to look like you’re smuggling a closet. It’s simply to move smarter, save money and get where you’re going with fewer headaches.
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Reddit: “All Kidding Aside Does Anyone Wear Multiple Layers of Clothing onto Plane to Avoid Luggage Bag Costs?”
- Booking.com: “The Complete Guide for US Airline Baggage Limits”
- Reddit: “Wearing Heaviest Item on Flight—Then What?”
- TikTok: “@jenselter”
