Ryanair says pocket packing won't take off as wearable luggage launches

FLYING:RYANAIR IS unconcerned about a new travel jacket aimed at circumventing baggage rules imposed by airlines by allowing people fit more than 10kg worth of luggage in their pockets.

The JakToGo, designed by an Irish engineer, is described as “wearable luggage” which “converts seamlessly and conveniently from a compact bag to a wearable garment, kitted out with 14 huge pockets, sufficient to hold 10-15kg of clothes and other personal items”.

The concept was developed by Irish engineer John Power, who lives in Holland and travels frequently around Europe on low cost airlines.

“People often don’t realise how much travellers have to suffer because of the airlines’ efforts to turn a profit. Airlines are finding more ways of charging you extra. As a frequent flyer, I became exasperated at the airlines’ tactics and I watched people miss flights or hand over more cash in order to get on a plane home. My philosophy has always been ‘don’t get mad, get even’,” he said.

Ryanair’s spokesman Stephen McNamara said the airline had no problem with people wearing such coats as long as they did not take up too much space in the cabins. He pointed out that the 10kg allowance it gives to passengers at no cost was more than sufficient for most of its customers.

He said that he did not anticipate the garment would take off in any major way and added that there was no evidence from the airports it flies to that people were turning to the coats in large numbers.

The JakToGo is available in what the manufacturers claim is hard wearing, water and wind-resistant fabric in black. It can also be made in denim and leather, and is available in a poncho style for summer holiday travellers “and a dress for those more fashion-conscious fliers”.

But many people might be forgiven for raising an eyebrow at “fashion” and such a garment in the same sentence. Even Power admits his jacket is “not designed to be a high fashion item”. Instead, it’s a practical travel accessory to enable you to “beat the system”, and save money and unnecessary hassle when flying.