Cool Viral Travel Hack Backfires At Airport
Ever tried sneaking extra clothes onto a plane by stuffing them into a pillow? It’s a viral TikTok hack, but it didn’t work out so well for one passenger at…
White blank pillowcase mockup. Grey background.
GettyEver tried sneaking extra clothes onto a plane by stuffing them into a pillow? It's a viral TikTok hack, but it didn't work out so well for one passenger at Orlando International Airport.
This travel trick involves cramming clothes into a pillowcase or travel pillow to dodge those pesky extra luggage fees.
It sounds clever, right? Well, not always.
In a now-viral TikTok video, a passenger got busted using this hack.
The video shows the man trying to board his flight with a suspiciously lumpy pillow. Airline staff quickly caught on and told him he couldn't bring it on board.
They offered him the chance to pay for extra baggage. The man refused, insisting it was just a pillow.
The situation escalated. Airline staff stood their ground, and the man eventually backtracked, offering to pay for the extra baggage after all. But it was too late.
The staff had already called the cops, and the man was escorted out of the airport.
User @natashaorganic, who shared the video, had some straightforward advice: "Stop listening to the internet."
But hey, who can resist a good travel hack? Here are a few more that have gone viral over the years:
Travel Hack List
- Wear Your Heaviest Clothes: This one’s a classic. Instead of packing bulky items like jackets or boots, wear them to the airport. It saves space in your luggage and keeps you cozy on the plane.
- Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags: These are great for maximizing space. Just pack your clothes, seal the bag, and suck out the air. Your clothes get compressed, and you have more room for souvenirs.
- Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save a ton of space. Plus, it helps reduce wrinkles, so you’ll look fresh when you land.
- Free Snacks: Bring an empty water bottle and some snacks in your carry-on. Fill up your bottle after security, and you’ve got free hydration. The snacks help avoid pricey airport food.
- DIY In-Flight Entertainment: Download movies, shows, or books to your devices before you fly. Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable, and this way, you’ve got entertainment at your fingertips.
Travel hacks can be hit or miss, but they sure make flying more interesting. Just remember, sometimes it’s better to play by the rules—especially if you want to avoid a run-in with airport security.
3 New England Rentals Named Best Airbnb Beach Houses in the United States
Three New England Airbnb rentals top the best in the United States. And we couldn't be prouder! (Also, we're not surprised. We have some serious coastal bragging rights.)
Conde Nast Traveler recently ranked the Best Airbnbs Beach Houses in the United States. New England is home to three.
The website found "22 of the best beach houses in America that offer everything you need for a perfect summer vacation—or any other season for that matter."
Conde Nast weighed the pics on ratings, response rates and Superhost status.
"All this means that you’re virtually guaranteed to get what you see online, and have smooth communication with the host," cntraveler.com reported.
The Rise of Airbnb
As you know, Airbnb swooped into New England like a boss, shaking up the hotel scene big time. Cozy cabins, quaint cottages, and historic homes popped up on your screen, all ready for a stay.
The cookie-cuter hotel rooms became a thing of the past. Now your neighbor's beachside cottage was up for grabs.
Tourists ditched the traditional hotels for a taste of local life. They wanted more than just a bed; they wanted an experience. And Airbnb delivered, offering unique stays that screamed personality.
Suddenly, every spare room became a potential goldmine. It was like a game of Monopoly, but with real houses.
Why Travelers Benefit
Why settle for an expensive, small hotel room when you could snag an ocean-view Airbnb. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing, with the salty breeze right there. You can split the cost with more than one person. You can do laundry without breaking the bank. There's no kids running around in the hallway outside your door at 6 a.m. And no wild parties keeping you up at night (unless it's your own!)
Plus, you'll have all the comforts of home, from a fully stocked kitchen to quirky decor.
Yarmouth, MA
Conde Nast says this one bedroom, one bathroom cottage is "prime Cape real estate: Colonial Acres Beach, where you can lay in the sun or dive into the ocean, is just steps from the shared patio. And don’t worry about having to bring your own beach chairs or umbrellas—the host has them on hand."
And according to the listing, "Take in endless views of the ocean walking up to this quaint cottage. Here, the pace is leisurely – sip coffee on the deck, watch the sunrise, and swim in the warm waters of Nantucket Sound just outside." It starts at $165 a night.
Westerly, RI
Wait, what? A cottage near Taylor Swift? (The singer has a place in Westerly. Currently not listed on Airbnb. But this one is! According to Conde Nast, it's " favorite of Traveler senior commerce editor Madison Flager. The cozy coastal home is just a short drive to the beach and downtown Westerly, giving guests the opportunity to explore more than just the sandy shores. The front porch is a fantastic spot to sip coffee in the morning or take in the evening sea air before heading out to dinner."
It's two beds, two and a half baths and starts at $280 a night.
Kennebunk, ME
Conde Nast says "this cozy cape house makes the perfect home base for spending a night or longer in the area. Its inviting salmon pink doors, charming glossy black shutters, and cozy knotty pine beams and ceilings feel like they were swiped straight out the pages of your beach read and brought to life by a New England fairy godmother. " It's three bedrooms, two baths and has a kitchen equipped for a pro. They're also located at the end of a quiet road with large yard and surrounded by woods. It's a mile from Dock Square and the beaches.
