If you have acquired items on your trip, stuffed them into your backpack and do not want to check it on your return flight, you may have problem.  Your backpack may no longer meet the airline size and weight restrictions forcing you to check your bag and pay additional fees.  Most people don't realize that in most cases, there is a simple solution to this problem.

On several occasions we have seen people at the airline check in desk, arguing with the agent because their bags are overweight and being forced to check them and pay additional fees.  We have seen people open multiple bags on the floor, rearranging their contents to hopefully balance the weight between the bags to meet the weight restrictions.  Don't be those people!  Having overweight and oversized bags can cost you money.  Rearranging your bags contents at the check in desk is embarrassing for you and holds up the line upsetting the people behind you.

The Facts

For the typical traveler, airlines are not concerned with what you weigh, what you may have in your pockets or if you are wearing a jacket at check in.  See Primary / Rain Jackets.  Think about it, if you are wearing cargo pants (Pants) and your jacket, you have multiple pockets available for stashing items during the check in process helping to reduce the size and weight of your bag.

The Check In Desk Process

There is actually a very simple solution to solve the excessive size or overweight bag situation.

Prior to check in, sit down somewhere and transfer heavy objects to your pants and jacket pockets.  You can even do things like stick a small travel tripod through your belt on your pants.  If you have a travel book or other documents, simply hold them in your hand to eliminate trying to pack them in your bag or stow them in your pockets.

Now at the check in desk, you are the one weighing several more pounds while your bag is smaller and considerably lighter weight.

The Security Process

Once you have completed the check in process and have your boarding pass, you are ready to proceed to security.  Prior to security, sit down somewhere and transfer anything you need to back into your bag.  If size is still an issue for the security x-ray machine, simply keep some things in your jacket packets or in your hands as they will be placed in a separate basket for the x-ray machine.  Your pants pockets will need to be empty when going through security.

Automated Check In Machines and Boarding Passes

If you were able to print your boarding pass online or able to use an airport automated check in machine (may be restrictions for international flights), you have already bypassed the airline check in desk where they may be checking the size and weight of your bag.

Now, you only need to get through security as described above.