A new travel trend is taking hold: “naked flying”

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 08. 29. 10:22

More and more young travelers are choosing to carry minimal or no luggage on their flights – in an attempt to avoid high airline fees. The “naked flying” phenomenon is spreading especially among Generation Z and millennial travelers, writes Pénzcentrum.

Phone and wallet are all you need

The essence of the trend is that passengers board the plane with only their phone and wallet, often not even taking hand luggage. Some people prefer to hide their clothes in their pockets, while others mail their suitcases to their destination for a cheaper price to avoid hundreds of dollars in baggage fees.

According to a survey of 1,000 adults conducted by Send My Bag, nearly half (48%) of adults feel that airlines intentionally profit from complicated regulations. 37 percent of respondents had paid at least A$200 (£96) for overweight luggage, while a third had to wear layers of clothing to avoid the fees, the Daily Mail reports.

A teacher’s example

Rachel Kelly, a 28-year-old Irish teacher, also chose to “fly naked” when she moved to Australia. Instead of paying the A$1,000 (£480) baggage fee, she sent her suitcase by post, saving $600. “I don’t think it’s fair that they’re charging huge fines for hand luggage when you’re already at the airport. I understand that checked baggage has a price, but the fees are outrageous,” she said.

Rachel has since used the trick on other flights, hiding her bag under her coat or even wearing seven sweaters. Although she admitted to feeling anxious, she has always managed to sneak her luggage through and only retrieve it after boarding.