Families paying DOUBLE what they expect in airport luggage charges this summer. Here are four easy ways to save £100s, according to a holiday expert

By GRACE BANNISTER FOR YOU MAGAZINE From wearing extra layers at the gate and stuffing spare clothes into pillowcases to cramming pockets with underwear, Brits are going to extreme lengths to avoid baggage fees this summer. New research from cleaning experts Dr. Beckmann reveals that the average family of four will end up paying almost double what they expect in luggage costs (£318 compared to an anticipated £152). Instead of resorting to wild travel hacks, there is a simpler way to avoid both heavy baggage fees and post-holiday laundry drea). Here are the top luggage-saving tips according to holiday expert Rob Brooks. Are you the type who tends to pack everything but the kitchen sink, just in case? 'Write down what you’re genuinely doing - pool days, dinners, excursions - then pack around that,' advises Brooks. While we are often told it is better to be safe than sorry, that mindset gets expensive when hit with excess baggage fees. Before trying to force your entire wardrobe into an overhead carry-on, take an honest look at your itinerary and pack only what you know you will use. Think about what you'll need before trying to stuff your entire wardrobe into your case.  Lost luggage doesn’t have to ruin your trip. 'Spread everyone’s clothes across the bags, ensuring at least two complete outfits for each person in every case,' says Brooks. That way, if one suitcase goes missing, no one is left with nothing to wear. As a bonus, cross-packing balances the weight across your luggage. 'It stops one bag from weighing 14kg while another requires airport machinery to lift it,' Brooks adds. Instead of packing heavy bottles, Brooks recommends ordering your sunscreen, shampoo, and toiletries online for collection once you pass through airport security (Boots allows you to do this). 'It’s one less pile of bulky bottles weighing down your case, and it could be the difference between managing with hand luggage and paying for an extra checked bag,' he notes. Stick to buying toiletries like shampoo, sun cream, face wash at the airport. If you won't wear an item at least three times, Brooks says it doesn’t deserve a spot in your case. 'If it only works with one very specific outfit, leave it behind.' If you never wear it at home, chances are you won't reach for it on holiday either. Planning outfits by pairing tops and bottoms before you pack will save you from having to sit on your suitcase just to force it shut.