A recent survey conducted by Send My Bag has unveiled a growing trend among travelers: “naked flying.” Nearly half of the respondents, comprising 1,000 travelers aged 18 and over, believe airlines intentionally profit from confusing baggage policies. The survey indicates that 37 percent of participants have incurred excess baggage fees of up to $200 in the past year. This phenomenon has led some to opt for flying with no luggage at all, carrying only essential items such as a wallet, phone, and charger.
One such traveler is Rachel Kelly, a 28-year-old educator from Melbourne. After relocating from Ireland in January 2023, Kelly found herself quoted $1,000 to bring an extra bag on her flight. Instead, she chose to ship her belongings directly, saving herself $600. Kelly criticized the high fees associated with carry-on luggage: “I understand it’s fair to charge for a checked-in bag, but the prices are absolutely extortionate; it’s really not worth it.”
This approach to flying has led many to adopt unconventional methods to avoid fees. For instance, Kelly mentioned that when flying with airlines like Jetstar, which imposes a 7kg weight limit, she sometimes conceals her handbag under her coat or layers her clothing to avoid excess baggage charges. “I get nervous doing it, for fear someone would catch me,” she admitted, highlighting the lengths some will go to in order to sidestep hefty fines.
According to the survey, nearly one in three travelers have worn multiple layers of clothing to avoid additional charges, with younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, leading this trend. The phenomenon has been discussed on social media platforms like TikTok, where users have commented on the lengths some go to minimize luggage. One TikToker described her brother’s decision to board a 22-hour international flight with only noise-cancelling headphones as a “beige flag,” noting that it reflects a certain level of privilege.
The trend itself is not limited to just avoiding excess baggage fees. Travelers have developed three distinct categories of “naked flying.” The first, termed “Pocket People,” involves stuffing pockets with essentials. The second, “Delivery Crew,” refers to shipping items ahead or borrowing from friends upon arrival. The final category, “Totally Bare,” finds travelers going without bags altogether, carrying just their phone, wallet, and charger.
In parallel, airlines are adapting to this trend. In 2023, Japan Airlines launched a service called Any Wear Anywhere, allowing travelers to rent clothing that is delivered to their hotel upon arrival in Japan. This initiative aims to provide a travel experience with minimal luggage while also promoting sustainability. The clothes available through this service are either excess inventory or pre-owned items that would otherwise be discarded. It is estimated that travelers using this service can reduce their carbon footprint significantly, with a potential reduction of 7.5 kg of CO2 associated with cutting down luggage weight by 10 kg.
The concept of “naked flying” presents an intriguing shift in travel behavior, highlighting both the frustrations of modern air travel and the creative solutions travelers are employing to navigate it. As the trend continues to grow, it remains to be seen how airlines will respond to these changing consumer preferences and whether more innovative services will emerge to accommodate the needs of modern travelers.
