How to beat Ryanair’s hand luggage rules by packing just NINE garments

There’s a particular thrill in bagging a bargain flight to Europe. A long weekend in Seville for £29? A spontaneous escape to Rome that’s cheaper than a meal in a restaurant? It feels almost too good to be true.

And often it is. Because as you book, it soon becomes apparent that bringing a bag larger than a postage stamp on board will incur additional (hefty) charges. Suddenly, that bargain break isn’t quite so cheap.

Ryanair now permits one free tiny 40 x 30 x 20cm bag that must fit under the seat while easyJet allows a marginally larger 45 x 36 x 20cm bag as hand luggage.

Even for a weekend trip away, bags this compact make it feel near impossible to pack enough clothes to dress stylishly and avoid additional check-in charges.

The solution could be ‘Sudoku Packing’. This wardrobe-whittling method, which has exploded on TikTok and Instagram, claims to solve the conundrum of limited case space by restricting contents to just nine carefully selected items.

The technique first went viral after influencer Natalie Shaquer posted a video earlier this year demonstrating how it had transformed her travels.

Her tutorial quickly surpassed 4 million views on TikTok and has since spawned multiple other posts with packers showing off their streamlined wardrobes.

When laid out together in a 3×3 garment grid, the Sudoku selection should create the perfect holdall-sized capsule of holiday clothes.

But can it really solve your short-haul sartorial woes? With a trip to Majorca on the horizon, I decided to test it out.

The first baggage brainteaser is deciding which garments make the cut. According to Instagram, the goal is to select nine core pieces: three tops, three bottoms and three layers, all of which should combine effortlessly to create multiple outfits.

All items can be dictated by your destination, with the three layering pieces designed to add warmth or additional cover to your other items. This might mean a scarf, jacket, cardigan or sweater but should be adjusted according to climate and conditions.

Once laid out in a 3×3 grid, exactly like a Sudoku puzzle, the clothes should generate up to 27 different ‘top-bottom-layer’ potential ensembles.

Nearly all essentials are covered with just one glaring omission. I’m surprised to see that there’s no area apportioned for any dresses in the grid. Usually I would consider these a core holiday essential, and one that’s easily squished into my bag, too. But fully embracing the method means this time I’ll be frock-free.

Follow the pre-ordained pattern and combine from left to right, top to bottom, or across one diagonal, and each ensemble will be co-ordinated.

Adding three pairs of shoes and three accessories then hopefully covers you for almost all eventualities, from sightseeing to dining out.

Usually I’d stuff all my summer favourites into an overpacked case. Selecting nine garments for take-off sounds alarmingly sparse.

Basic bottoms 

I begin by picking my three pieces to wear on the bottom. For a summer break, which could involve a boat trip, daytime strolls or evening drinks, I know versatility is key.

I eventually settle on a colourful pair of silk shorts, a neutral lightweight cotton long skirt and cropped jeans.

The culotte-style shorts suit warm days but can be dressed up for the evening, the ankle- length skirt will take me anywhere from medieval church to marina, while stalwart denim works for any weather.

For shoes I choose tan trainers – comfortable for walking but not too scruffy for dinners out – alongside two pairs of sandals, one flat, another with a low heel.

Trio of tops 

Having nailed the lower half, the trio of tops proves surprisingly easy – and liberating.

I plump for a knitted pink vest: relaxed for daytime but instantly smart with a heel.

My second choice is a timeless ribbed tank in a forgiving neutral that pairs with everything.

I’m undecided between a plain cotton shirt or dressier sleeved T-shirt, but after placing both in the grid to compare, I opt for the latter.

The T-shirt clearly brings welcome pattern to the palette and is more likely to withstand multiple wears without creasing – or becoming whiffy.

…and layering 

Even I’m surprised by how easy I’m finding it to pack using the grid sequence.

My suede cropped jacket is chic and the pale pink pastel colour harmonises elegantly with everything else.

The crumple-proof, stripe knit can be reliably thrown on over anything for warmth, and my final choice, a smart classic cashmere camel cardigan, covers my arms and will also ward off a surprise chill.

With a bag, belt and sunglasses that match everything for my three accessories, that’s it. My Ryanair-approved carry-on closes with room to spare.

Verdict

Choosing clothes more thoughtfully resulted in more wearable outfits than I usually take when travelling, even when packing twice as much.

Absent essentials such as a cotton shirt or a scarf could all be worn as part of a strategically planned plane outfit. And there was plenty of room left in my bag for toiletries, underwear, swimwear, and jewellery.

That said, I did identify some flaws. If you are away for more than a few days, nine items worn on rotation will soon stop looking – and smelling – fresh, so a few travel wash sachets might be wise.

And while I loved the ease of pre-picked combinations, they inevitably begin to feel repetitive, which rather takes the joy out of holiday dressing.

There’s also no provision for dresses. If, like me, you love a summer dress, I’d suggest including one that doubles as an item on the bottom, or wear one on the flight.

But mostly, the minimal method was a success. Goodbye overstuffed suitcases and ridiculous luggage charges. It seems Sudoku-style has solved the carry-on packing riddle.