While airlines in 2026 are increasingly strict with baggage limits, there are several "pro" hacks to bypass excess fees. The most popular is the "Pillowcase Hack": fill an empty pillowcase with soft clothing items like hoodies or jackets; most gate agents view a pillow as a "comfort item" rather than a piece of luggage. Another strategy is to wear your heaviest items—don your hiking boots and layer two sweaters under a large winter coat to save significant weight in your suitcase. You can also utilize "Duty-Free Camouflage": many airlines allow one duty-free bag in addition to your carry-on; if you have a duty-free bag from a previous trip, you can use it to store a few extra items. Finally, if you are traveling with a partner, ask to "Pool your baggage" at the check-in counter; many airlines allow you to combine your total weight allowance as long as you are on the same reservation, allowing one person to be slightly over if the other is under.