Everybody tries to cut costs when traveling, but a travel TikToker’s tip for avoiding baggage charges is now facing criticism over safety concerns.
Jason Steinberg uploaded the initial video for his “unethical travel tricks” series, where he instructs viewers on how to conceal an additional carry-on within another bag at the airport to bypass the luggage fee.
In the TikTok, Steinberg encourages travelers to get to the airport early and find a “safe place” to leave the second bag. He encouraged people to leave it in plain sight, at a cafe, or put it with other people’s bags. When checking in, Steinberg says passengers should say they have one bag and they want it weighed, leaving him free to grab the second bag and take it onto the plane.
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Although Steinberg, known online as Travel With Jay Berg, managed to avoid the charge in his video, travel professionals caution that this “workaround” might breach airport safety rules, lead to disturbances at the terminal, or increase the risk of having your possessions stolen.
Adam Ewart’s Send My Bag
told Indy 100
That following Steinberg’s example might not be wise and could result in anxiety about left-behind bags.
Travel expert Adam Ewart from Send My Bag indicates that such guidance is not just immoral, but also highly dangerous.
“We’ve all experienced the disappointment when our suitcase exceeds the weight limit upon being placed on the scale, leading to additional charges. However, this workaround isn’t merely unethical; it poses serious risks,” explained Ewart.
“You should never leave your baggage unattended in an airport, full stop. Not only could it be stolen, but unattended bags can trigger major security concerns and even evacuations.
The outcomes significantly surpass the expense of exceeding the weight limit by a handful of kilograms.
To avoid any stress over your baggage, Ewart encourages travelers to use safe (and ethical) hacks to save money on luggage.
“If you’re concerned about having overweight luggage, there are more secure and simpler methods to avoid it. Begin by packing more efficiently—roll your garments rather than folding them, restrict the number of shoes, and check the weight of your suitcase at home,” he advised.
And if you require additional baggage beyond what your airline permits, think about using a specialized service such as Send My Bag to ship your luggage in advance. This option often proves to be more economical, particularly for students or individuals moving abroad.
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