The Latest Flying Hack: Travelling “Naked” to Beat the Baggage Blues

Forget the days of lugging around heavy suitcases or stressing over how to fit your carry-on into the overhead bin. A bold new travel trend is taking off—flying “naked.”

And no, it doesn’t mean shedding your clothes at 30,000 feet! Instead, it’s about ditching luggage altogether to avoid those hefty airline baggage fees.

Travelling “naked” means skipping checked bags, carry-ons, and all the usual travel extras that rack up costs.

With airlines like Air Canada charging $25 for a single carry-on (and up to $46 for unregistered baggage), frugal flyers are opting to board flights with just the clothes on their backs—and maybe a pocketful of essentials.

The Rise of Bare-Bones Travel

While it might sound extreme, flying naked is the latest cost-cutting strategy for budget-conscious travellers. And it’s not the only minimalist travel hack making waves.

Earlier this year, a trend called "rawdogging" went viral, encouraging travellers to forgo modern in-flight comforts entirely. Picture this: no music, no streaming, no snacks—just you, the in-flight map, and your thoughts. Sounds intense, right?

But unlike rawdogging, flying naked allows passengers to keep their entertainment—headphones and smartphones are definitely still on the table. The goal is simple: avoid paying for baggage at all costs. And creative jet-setters are finding clever ways to work around airline policies.

Related: Air Plane Etiquette

How Flyers Are Outsmarting Airlines

From stashing belongings in duty-free shopping bags to stuffing clothes into hollowed-out neck pillows, travellers are finding loopholes to save on fees. The logic? Airlines typically allow duty-free bags to bypass additional charges, and a “pillow” filled with T-shirts might just pass as an in-flight comfort item.

With major airlines like JetBlue, Delta, and American Airlines set to update their baggage fees and policies in 2025, this bare-bones approach couldn’t come at a better time. For Canadians, these hacks are especially appealing as Air Canada continues to raise luggage fees.

Is Flying Naked Worth It?

While skipping luggage altogether can save money, it’s not without its downsides. Travelling with no bags means you’re limited to what you can fit in your pockets or wear on your person—making longer trips a challenge. But for quick getaways or short-haul flights, it’s a trend that’s here to stay.

So, would you try flying naked, or do you prefer the convenience of traditional travel—even if it comes with a price tag? Let us know in the comments!

This minimalist travel movement is proof that necessity truly is the mother of invention, especially when it comes to saving money in the skies. Just make sure your neck pillow doesn’t look too suspicious at the security checkpoint!