Airlines ‘cracking down’ on hand luggage rules as holidaymakers issued warning on packing ‘trick’

There is nothing worse than getting to the airport and realising you've brought a bag that's too big or too heavy and, consequently, having to pay extra.

It's always so much more expensive at the airport than it would have been in advance, so it's always best to brush up on the latest rules for the airline you're flying with.

And while the stress has usually come from check-in bags, it turns out things are set to get even more complicated as a number of airlines are cracking down on their hand luggage allowances.

It's hard to say why this all seems to be happening right now, but it could potentially have something to do with the amount of 'packing hacks' that have circulated on social media in recent times.

Some people's pillows may not be quite what they seem. (Getty Stock Image)

One of the most viral instances of this is the 'pillow hack' - an attempt of a luggage workaround whereby passengers take the stuffing out of a neck pillow or sleeping pillow and replace it with extra clothes, underwear or anything soft in order to sneak more things onto the plane at no extra cost.

It looks like quite a few people got away with it judging by TikTok videos, but when something goes viral, airline staff are bound to wise-up eventually.

Recent footage shared by one woman in the US went viral, when she shared a video of a man who had his plan foiled and refused to back down. He was left unable to fly, with police even turning up at the scene.

It's safe to say going forward that you should only take travelling advice or 'tips and tricks' from airline staff or experts.

Always check the hand luggage rules before flying. (Getty Stock Image)

It seems that my senses were correct as Southwest airlines in the US are now counting pillows as 'personal items' alongside cameras, blankets and bumbags. So, you will no longer be able to bring these on board as well as a carry on bag - you'll have to choose one.

As for the UK, here's a run down on the current hand luggage rules for the most popular budget airlines.

Ryanair

Travellers are permitted to bring one 'personal bag' on board which measures no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.

EasyJet

Travellers are permitted to bring one 'personal bag' on board which measures no more than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm.

Wizz Air

Travellers are permitted to bring one small cabin bag on board, the luggage must weigh no more than 10kg, and measure no more than 40cm x 20cm.

Jet2

Travellers are permitted to bring one item that fits underneath the seat in front you and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm - with a weight of up to 10kg.

It's a faff now, but your research will always be worth it when you get off the plane. (Getty Stock Image)

And if you're flying with a not-so budget airline:

TUI

Travellers are permitted to bring one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of you and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm - with a weight of up to 10kg.

British Airways

Travellers are permitted to bring one personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm with a weight of up to 23kg.

Virgin Atlantic

Travellers are permitted to bring one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of you and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm with a weight of up to 10kg.

Safe flight!