While Ryanair is set to expand its bag size, smart packing remains crucial. Ryanair has recently announced plans to increase its free cabin bag size from 40 x 25 x 20cm to 40 x 30 x 20cm. This change will provide passengers with an additional four litres of "personal bag" space included in their ticket price.
Although this is a welcome development for travellers, the bag sizes still don't offer a vast amount of space. Often, holidaymakers have to buy a cabin-sized suitcase or pay extra for checked baggage to accommodate all their holiday essentials. Fortunately, for those eager to optimise their free luggage allowance, experts at QR Code Generator have shared their top tips for smart packing.
Utilise packing cubes — or a sandwich bag
Utilise packing cubes to organise your bag and compress clothes further. Reusable compression bags are an excellent investment for this purpose. However, resealable sandwich bags or zip lock bags serve as a readily available and affordable alternative, ideal for any last-minute trips.
Consider your packing order
Consider your packing order to create structure. When packing, begin with bulkier or heavier items such as trousers or jumpers at the bottom of your bag to provide structure. Then add lighter items like t-shirts on top.
This method makes items easier to locate and maintains the structure and weight distribution of the bag, making it easier to carry through the airport.
Choose suitable fabrics for compact packing
Opt for the most suitable fabrics for compact packing. Select lightweight materials such as linen for jumpers or cotton-blend fabrics, which are less likely to wrinkle than pure cotton, while still being easy to pack.
Reduce your liquids
Reduce your liquids, or avoid bringing them altogether. Where possible, pack solid toiletries (like shampoo bars, deodorant sticks, etc.) to conserve space and avoid spills.
To save even more room, purchase toiletries at the airport or a local shop at your destination, which can then be shared among your travel companions.
Pre-order essentials to collect at the airport
Pre-order essentials to collect at the airport. Some airports even offer a service where you can order items in advance to be delivered to the airport. For instance, if you order toiletries from an online retailer that has a branch at your chosen airport terminal, you might be able to arrange collection after security.
Plus, you'll have the added convenience of having everything you need ready upon arrival.
Choose clothes that can be worn more than once
Choose clothes that can be worn multiple times on your trip. Opt to pack clothing in darker shades, as this can hide any stains that might otherwise prevent you from wearing it again, helping you maintain a smart appearance.
If you must pack additional shoes, make them work harder. Aim to select just one pair of shoes that are comfortable for travelling and versatile enough to match your outfits. However, if you need to pack a second pair, maximise space by storing your socks, charging cables or other small items inside the shoes within your cabin bag.
Roll your clothes
Rolling trumps folding when it comes to creating extra space. To avoid creases and save space, roll your clothes instead of folding them. Tuck belts and similar accessories inside rolled garments to utilise every inch of your suitcase.
Don't forget to stuff socks and other small items into the corners to fully exploit the bag's capacity.
Plan a 'capsule wardrobe' for your trip
Opt for versatile clothing like plain t-shirts and smart-casual trousers that can transition from daytime wear to an evening ensemble with the addition of a dark jumper or some jewellery. Sticking to a coordinated colour palette allows for easy mix-and-match options, reducing the number of items you need to pack.
Pack a lightweight tote
Pack a lightweight tote for multi-use benefits. Bring along a lightweight tote bag which is not only handy for day trips and beach outings but also serves as extra storage for small, flat items like jewellery or chargers, keeping them organised and easily accessible within your luggage.
Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator said: "With the holiday season in full swing, Ryanair's announcement that it will be increasing its baggage size for passengers could come at no better time.
"However, with the expense of holidays, many holidaymakers will always be keen to save some money where they can. That's why we have shared some quick tips on how to make the most of your baggage allowance, to help save the need to add extra luggage charges to your ticket."
