Am I a sucker for packing like this?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

Airport security may take a dim view of vacuum-packed clothing (iStock)

Q I’m flying for the first time with Ryanair and I’m just taking everything as cabin baggage: a roll-along case for inside the plane which also allows me to take a small bag that can fit under the seat in front of me.

The first question is about my baggage weight allowance of 10kg. Does this mean 10kg in total for the two bags, or is the small bag that I’m allowed to put under the seat in front of me a separate weight?

My main case will have all my clothes I think I will need for my three-week stay. I am putting them into two vacuum-packed bags, and will use my Hoover to suck out the air in the bags, thus reducing the volume and allowing them to fit in my bag. When I go through security will they open my vacuum bags up? I am worried about this as there is no way I could get my clothes back in the case without the help of a Hoover.