Pillowcase Packing Trick Could Ground Your Travel Plans

A popular travel hack is drawing warnings from legal experts in Russia. The trick involves stuffing a neck pillow with clothing to sidestep airline carry-on limits. While not explicitly illegal, the practice carries real risks for passengers.

Ilya Rusyaev, a lawyer and founder of the Rusyaev Club business community, explained the situation to Izvestia. Airlines have clear rules on the number, size, and weight of cabin bags. If a carrier's staff at the airport identifies an overstuffed pillow as a separate bag, they have the right to count it as luggage.

The legal precedent is not on the traveler's side. Courts rarely rule in favor of passengers caught using this method, Rusyaev noted. Consequences are the same as for any baggage limit violation: a fee for excess luggage or a requirement to check the item. Refusing to comply can lead to more serious trouble.

"Under clause 1.4 of Article 107 of Russia's Air Code, the carrier can terminate the contract of carriage," Rusyaev said. "In simpler terms, they can deny you boarding."

The report follows recent advice from a former flight attendant, who suggested travelers leave the shoes they plan to depart in inside the hotel safe. This, she argued, is a more reliable method to avoid forgetting valuables when checking out.