London families warned viral TikTok packing hacks could cost them MORE this October half-term

Travel experts reveal six popular suitcase packing tricks that could help families save space, but warn some could lead to unexpected baggage charges at the airport.

With October half-term approaching, thousands of London families will be preparing to escape the capital for some autumn sunshine or a last-minute holiday abroad.

But whether they're jetting off from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton, travel experts are warning parents that viral TikTok packing hacks could end up costing them more than they save.

Social media is filled with clever tricks promising to help holidaymakers squeeze more into their suitcases, from vacuum-packing clothes to stuffing extra outfits inside travel pillows.

However, luggage specialists at it Luggage warn that while these methods may create extra room, they won't necessarily reduce a suitcase's weight, potentially leaving families facing expensive excess baggage charges before their holiday has even begun.

And with many airlines applying strict cabin baggage rules, attempting to get around luggage allowances could result in additional fees at the airport.

To help London families avoid unexpected charges this October half-term, experts at it Luggage have rated six popular packing hacks, revealing which ones are worth trying and which could leave travellers out of pocket.

1. Compression bags – 7/10

Verdict: Great for saving space, but watch the weight

For families struggling to squeeze everyone's clothes into one suitcase, compression bags might seem like the perfect answer.

They're especially useful for bulky jumpers, coats and knitwear, particularly if you're heading somewhere colder during October half-term.

But while vacuum bags can reduce the space clothes take up, they won't make them any lighter.

Having more room in a suitcase can also tempt travellers to pack additional outfits, potentially pushing luggage over the airline's weight allowance.

Experts recommend weighing suitcases after packing rather than assuming that having space left means there's room for more.

2. Rolling clothes instead of folding – 9/10

Verdict: A simple trick that really works

One of TikTok's most popular packing tricks is also one of the easiest.

Rolling clothes rather than folding them can help maximise space, especially when packing children's outfits, T-shirts, lightweight trousers and dresses.

It can also make it easier to see what you've packed without having to unpack the entire suitcase.

For parents travelling with young children, rolling complete outfits together can make getting everyone dressed on holiday a little easier.

However, experts warn that saving space doesn't increase your airline's luggage allowance.

3. Stuffing socks and underwear inside shoes – 8/10

Verdict: A clever way to use every inch of your suitcase

Shoes can take up a surprising amount of room, particularly when packing for the whole family.

One simple solution is to use the empty space inside them to store socks, underwear and other small essentials.

Experts suggest placing items inside a small bag first to keep everything clean.

It's an effective way to use space that would otherwise be wasted without needing additional packing accessories.

Unlike some viral hacks, this method doesn't involve attempting to get around airline baggage restrictions.

4. Wearing your heaviest clothes to the airport – 9/10

Verdict: One of the easiest ways to reduce suitcase weight

If you're heading somewhere cooler this October half-term, wearing your bulkiest clothing during the journey could save valuable space and weight in your suitcase.

Heavy boots, coats and jumpers can take up considerable room, so wearing them rather than packing them may help keep luggage within the airline's allowance.

It's particularly useful for families travelling on budget airlines, where every kilogram can count.

However, experts recommend keeping comfort in mind, especially when flying with young children.

Wearing layers that can easily be removed during the journey may be a more practical option.

5. Stuffing clothes inside a travel pillow – 3/10

Verdict: This viral TikTok trick could backfire

One of the more unusual packing hacks circulating on social media involves removing the stuffing from a travel neck pillow and replacing it with rolled-up clothes.

The idea is that travellers can carry additional clothing onboard without having to pay for another bag.

But experts warn this could prove expensive.

Airlines have different rules about personal items, and a travel pillow stuffed with clothes isn't automatically exempt from cabin baggage restrictions.

Passengers could be asked to fit the pillow inside their permitted hand luggage or pay an additional charge, depending on their airline's policy.

For London families already dealing with airport queues, security checks and excited children, an unexpected baggage charge at the boarding gate is the last thing anyone needs.

6. Packing for every possible scenario – 1/10

Verdict: One of the biggest packing mistakes parents make

Anyone who has packed for a family holiday will know how tempting it is to bring absolutely everything.

Extra shoes, spare jumpers, outfits for every possible weather forecast and enough children's clothes to last twice as long as the holiday itself.

But experts warn that overpacking is one of the quickest ways to end up with an overweight suitcase.

Instead, families should plan outfits in advance, choose clothes that can be mixed and matched and think carefully about what they'll realistically wear.

Checking the weather forecast before travelling can also help avoid packing unnecessary items.

Travel expert warns families to check airline baggage rules

Nick Gaskin, Sales & Marketing Director at it Luggage, said:

"With families preparing to head away for October half-term, it's easy to get carried away with packing, particularly when you're trying to fit everything you need for children into a limited baggage allowance.

"Packing hacks can help save space, but they don't increase your airline's weight allowance. Compression bags, packing cubes and rolled clothing can make it easy to underestimate how much you've packed, leaving travellers at risk of overweight baggage fees.

"Always weigh your suitcase after you've finished packing, rather than relying on how it looks or feels. And before trying any viral hack designed to beat baggage rules, check your airline's latest policy as what saves space could end up costing more at the airport."

With London families preparing to travel from the capital's major airports during the October school holidays, experts are urging passengers to check baggage rules before leaving home.

Different airlines have their own restrictions on cabin bag sizes, weight allowances and additional personal items, making it important to check what's included in each booking.

And while viral packing hacks may help squeeze more into a suitcase, experts say the best way to avoid unexpected charges is to pack sensibly, weigh luggage in advance and make sure bags meet the airline's rules.

For more travel essentials and luggage designed to make family holidays easier, visit it Luggage.