10 Bizarre Ways Travelers Have Avoided Baggage Fees

Brittany Jones-Cooper
·Reporter
image

This carry-on looks a little full. What would you do to avoid paying a checked bag fee? (Photo: Thinkstock)

Would you ever donate your luggage just to avoid paying a baggage fee? If so, you’re not alone.

Norwegian Air just released a list of the 10 most bizarre things travelers have done to avoid fees for a checked bag. According to their results, one fed up passenger decided to give away their bag instead of paying to check it!

The funny part is, that wasn’t even number one on the list!

The European low cost carrier gathered the stories by asking 50 of their staff at the London Gatwick airport. The stories show the lengths people will go to if their bag doesn’t meet the carry-on requirement.

Here are some creative ways passengers have tried to avoid paying baggage fees:

image

It’s the moment of truth, is your bag too big to carry-on? (Photo: Thinkstock)

1. Wore three pairs of trousers, with a pair of shoes stuffed in the jacket pockets

2. Decided to give up their bag and asked for it to be donated to charity

3. Carried a beloved pet’s ashes in their handbag and wanted leniency

4. Tried to bribe gate staff with newly bought chocolates from duty free

Related: Delta Stops Accepting Pets as Checked Baggage

5. Refused to comply by repeating “Me no speak any English”

6. Two pairs of jeans were doubled up and worn as a “double denim” scarf

7. Claimed their bag contains fragile antique pottery

8. Wore two layers of suits

9. Insisted their credit card is maxed out with no money left to pay

10. Wore two winter coats and tied three (sweaters) around their waist

Just FYI, like many U.S. carriers, Norwegian Air allows passengers to board with a small personal item and one carry-on. If their bag exceeds 22 pounds, it has to be checked.

While rates vary by routes, they range from about $9.84 for a first bag on short routes to about $72 on long-haul overseas routes.

WATCH: This Packing Method Will Prevent You From Having to Check A Bag


Let Yahoo Travel inspire you every day. Hang out with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Check out our original adventure travel series A Broad Abroad.