With fares often considerably cheaper for those who forgo checked luggage, it's an appealing prospect for budget-conscious travellers. Yet flying light comes with stringent restrictions, and even a minor packing blunder could result in unwanted fees at the airport.

Passengers are being cautioned that overpacking or including prohibited items in their carry-on bag could prove costly, particularly as airlines tighten their policies. Matthew Corrigan, CEO of Trtl Travel, said: "Airlines such as Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet and Jet2 are cracking down on hand luggage passengers. One of the main drawbacks of heading off on holiday with only a carry-on bag is significantly less space for your belongings."

With numerous carriers now permitting just one small cabin bag free of charge — barely sufficient for a brief weekend getaway — the secret is to pack more cleverly, rather than more generously.

This means reconsidering some of the everyday essentials that may appear indispensable, but are actually consuming precious space.

"Avoid packing items that will be provided by the accommodation, such as hairdryers, towels, and toiletries. Only bring items you know you'll use, and try to share phone chargers and other technology wherever possible," Matthew explained.

Hairdryers are a classic example of an item that can quickly become a burden: bulky, awkwardly shaped, and frequently unnecessary.

The vast majority of hotels and rental properties provide them as standard, meaning there is hardly a compelling reason to pack your own. Towels represent another bulky item best avoided unless you're staying somewhere that doesn't supply them, which these days is uncommon for most standard accommodation.

Regarding toiletries, not only do they increase weight, but larger liquid containers can create problems at airport security. Travel-sized alternatives or buying upon arrival are far superior choices.

For those travelling to colder destinations, bulky garments such as coats or thick jumpers should likewise be excluded from your suitcase.

"It's best to wear large items such as jumpers and coats onto the plane rather than packing them," Matthew pointed out.

"This frees up space and ensures you don't get cold during the flight."