Travel Hack: Passenger shares clothes packing strategy

Airlines are reportedly not happy about a new travel hack that's gaining popularity among travelers looking to avoid baggage fees. This hack involves a specially designed jacket, produced by Wear to Fly, that can hold enough personal items for a week-long vacation. The jacket, made from marine plastic, features 14 hidden interior pockets where travelers can pack their belongings. Once filled, the jacket appears as a typical winter puffer coat.
The company boldly claims on TikTok that "Ryanair hates this jacket," and demonstrates how the jacket allows travelers to easily pass through security checkpoints and fit their belongings under the seat during flights. The product has received positive feedback online from TikTok users who praise it as a clever way to avoid baggage fees. One commenter exclaimed, "BRAVO!! This is when our intelligence stands against (bad) rules!!" Another user jokingly mentioned that "Walking through the airport has now turned into a workout wearing every item you take with you including shoes etc and costs nearly 300."
Despite the positive reviews, some critics have expressed concerns about the jacket's practicality. One critic stated that it "Wouldn’t hold my stuff for 7/10 day trip..maybe would work for an overnighter," while another worried that filling the jacket with clothes would make it look bulky and wrinkled. There are also concerns about the weight of the jacket when fully loaded, with one person noting that "filled with 15lbs like they claim, sounds really heavy for a jacket."
The emergence of this product comes as more airlines, such as Air Canada, are implementing fees for carry-on baggage. Basic economy ticket holders may incur a $25 fee for carry-ons larger than a purse or backpack and $36 for an additional piece of luggage. As airlines continue to add baggage fees, travelers are looking for innovative ways to avoid them, and the Wear to Fly jacket has emerged as a viable solution for some.