What in the World - How to hack your flight luggage allowance

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Baggage fees have become part and parcel of international travel, with charges taking off in recent years. Globally, passengers spent $150 billion USD last year on added ‘extras’ such as seat selection and baggage fees - that’s 25% more than they spent in 2023. There’s also a growing number of ‘packing hacks’ videos on social media, with more people looking for ways to avoid paying fees for their bags.

BBC reporter Sam Gruet explains why airlines started charging for luggage in the first place and how it varies around the world. And travel expert and content creator Chelsea Dickenson shares her tips on how to cut costs when travelling.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Chelsea Coates, Benita Barden and Josh Jenkins
Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Published on Friday, 6th June 2025.

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