The baggage rules of low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet continue to raise questions among passengers, especially when trying to avoid additional fees. A new test by experts has now called into question some of the most popular tidying tricks on social media.
The consumer protection association Which? analyzed different methods of organizing clothes inside hand luggage and concluded that solutions such as compression cubes or vacuum bags do not, after all, make better use of the available space, according to the British newspaper Daily Express.
Taking into account that Ryanair has one of the lowest free allowances among low-cost airlines, the tests were carried out with suitcases that exactly respected the dimensions imposed by the Irish carrier.
Two models of suitcase were used to place under the seat, measuring 40x25x25 centimeters: a small suitcase with wheels from the Travel Ready brand and a soft bag from the Kono brand, which became popular on social media as it was considered ideal for Ryanair flights.
In addition, two larger pieces of cabin luggage were tested, within the paid limits, including a rigid suitcase and a Cabin Max backpack measuring 50x40x20 centimeters.
Compression cubes did not convince
Although often promoted as near-miracle products, compression cubes and vacuum bags have not lived up to expectations. According to the association, cited by the same source, the promises of being able to “stow more in less space” were not confirmed in practice.
In the tests carried out, simply folding the clothes made it possible to accommodate more items than any other method. In total, 129 pieces of clothing were placed in the four suitcases using just the folding technique, that is, 16 more pieces than with vacuum bags.
Compression cubes, often praised in videos on TikTok, also lagged behind the traditional method. They allowed for better organization, but did not increase the total capacity of the suitcase. Still, they proved useful for filling small spaces with socks and smaller items.
Folding has been shown to be better than rolling
Another result that contradicted the most widespread idea on social media has to do with the technique of rolling clothes. According to experts, folding made it possible to fit a little more pieces than rolling.
The conclusion was clear: enthusiasm around certain products and techniques does not necessarily mean greater efficiency. In some cases, it’s more about visual organization than saving real space, according to the same source.
Ryanair and easyJet rules
On Ryanair, all tickets include only one free small personal bag, such as a backpack or laptop bag, with maximum dimensions of 40x20x25 centimeters, which must fit under the seat, and any larger volume will incur an additional fee.
EasyJet allows standard fare passengers to carry a slightly larger suitcase free of charge to place under the seat, with dimensions of up to 45x36x20 centimeters, including wheels and handles.
If the luggage exceeds the limits and does not fit in the meter at the airport, the fees applied on site may be significantly higher than those charged when booking online, says the same source.
How to avoid unexpected costs
Experts advise passengers to carefully check the allowable dimensions before traveling and plan packing strategically.
Even a few centimeters above what is permitted can result in additional costs, says the . In a context where base ticket prices are low, baggage fees continue to be one of the main sources of revenue for low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.
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