Flights: A bulging bag may not pass the test when examined by airline employees at the gate (Image: Getty Images) Hand luggage allowance rules can be strict on airlines these days, especially if you’re travelling with such budget airlines as Ryanair and easyJet. Plane passengers are keen to pack as much as they can into a carry on bag to avoid forking out for hold luggage. However, stuffing lots in can be an issue when it comes to baggage checks at the gate. A bulging bag may not pass the test when examined by airline employees. Related articles Hand luggage: Pack this key item to beat liquid restrictions Hand luggage: Travel with this to beat cabin luggage rules Flights: Beat hand luggage allowance rules with with nifty carry on trick Luckily there is a top tip for making sure it does get through so you won’t have to pay extra or put the bag in the hold. Travel company Contiki explained the trick is to put your bag into the size cage upside down if asked to check your case. This because it’s likely the bottom of your bag will be bigger than the top. Putting the suitcase in upside down will create a funnel effect and make it look like it fits. For this reason, soft suitcases can be much better than hard ones as they have more give. Another trick to sneak past the gate officials is to use a black bag as it will stand out less and blend in, meaning airline workers are potentially less likely to stop you. Flights: The trick is to put your hand luggage bag into the size cage upside down (Image: Getty Images) However, it’s worth considering travelling with a backpack as hand luggage instead of a suitcase. David Scotland from Outdoor World Direct added to Express.co.uk: ”If you're travelling with hand luggage only on a budget airline, I would recommend opting for a large rucksack rather than a small suitcase with wheels.” You are more likely to avoid attention with a bag on your back than you are with a suitcase. This means you are less likely to be asked to put your bag in the hold, which can infuriate travellers hoping for a smooth and quick journey. “Some airlines make passengers check in their hand luggage (free of charge) if it is a small suitcase,” David said. Related articles Hand luggage: Always make sure you pack this to be prepared Hand luggage rules: The surprising item that is BANNED Hand lugagge: Soft suitcases can be much better than hard ones as they have more give (Image: Getty Images) Of course, holidaymakers need to be savvy with what they pack into their bag as well. “Everyone’s made the mistake of not thinking through outfits while packing – throwing random items into a suitcase before realising that nothing goes,” organisational expert, Vicky Silverthorn told Express.co.uk. “To avoid this, pack complete outfits together so that every item has a purpose. “When you come to unpack they’ll be ready to wear, and it always works to separate them out by ‘pool’, ‘beach’, ‘evening’ and so on.” Another way to beat the rules when it comes to hand luggage is to choose your travelling clothes wisely and make the most of pockets.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility