September 14, 2025, 5:24 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Booking a cheap flight is easy, but often it only includes carry-on luggage. If you want to bring multiple outfits, you’ll quickly hit a limit. However, with a few tricks, you can fit more clothes on the plane–without extra baggage. TRAVELBOOK reveals how it works.
On average, you can carry up to 10 kg in your hand luggage. It’s easy to run out of space or exceed the weight limit. With the following tricks, you won’t have to leave your beloved summer outfits behind and can relax with a backpack or trolley on your next flight.
Overview
Check in online to avoid weight checks
Have you ever wondered who actually checks hand luggage when traveling? Often, the size and weight of luggage brought onto the plane are only inspected at the check-in counter. As long as the hand luggage doesn’t look too large at first glance, it usually isn’t checked again at the gate, and security checks focus mainly on the contents. If you want to bring extra clothes on the plane, you should use online check-in. This is available with most airlines between 72 and 24 hours before departure. This way, you can avoid scrutiny at the counter and save time at the airport.
Use the pillow trick to bring more clothes on the plane
If you get travel inspiration from Instagram and similar platforms, you’ve probably come across the pillow trick. Most airlines allow you to bring a pillow in addition to your hand luggage. Bringing more clothes on the plane becomes a breeze.
The key: Not all fillings are the same! Simply take a pillowcase and pack the clothes that don’t fit in your trolley. Check with the airline in advance to see how large the pillow can be, and you’re ready to go! Important: To avoid issues at security, keep shoes, cosmetics, and other items in your hand luggage as usual.
Use the layering method
The well-known layering method not only keeps you warm in the cold airplane air but is also an effective way to bring more clothes on the plane. You can, for example, wear tights under your jeans and an extra top under your sweater. It’s best to wear your heavy jacket over everything. This way, you can easily and discreetly take a few extra items on vacation.
Tip: Anything in a duty-free bag after security can be taken on the plane without extra charge. So if you buy something small in the departure halls, you can easily store the extra layers in your new shopping bag afterward.
9 Tricks to Make Packing Your Suitcase Easier
Ryanair’s Imaginative Interpretation of the Term “Hand Baggage”
Pack smart to fit more clothes on the plane
Packing a suitcase is a skill, as you can make the most of even a small carry-on. Fortunately, there are several tried-and-true methods for packing as efficiently as possible. For example, rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves space and prevents wrinkles. For even more efficient packing, you can use packing cubes or vacuum bags. These reduce the volume in your suitcase or backpack, allowing your clothes to fit compactly on the plane.
Utilize every space
You can also place items in sneakers and boots. For hygiene reasons, pack them in small plastic bags beforehand. There’s also space in handbags. Roll shirts or dresses tightly and stuff them into bags. This also prevents the handbag from getting misshapen in the suitcase.