Unless you're willing to do some spontaneous public repacking, being even a pound over the 50 pound limit, and the airline can slap you with a penalty.

The holidays are coming up and many passengers are not seasoned travelers, so NewsChannel5 spoke to some experts about how to pack smart and light, so you can save your money.

"The suitcases with the handles and the wheels tend to weigh more than those that doesn't have those, so right off the bat, look at your suitcase and make a decision," said Chuck Petzinger, of Traveline.

Jeans always weigh more than dress pants or khakis so you may want to wear your jeans and pack lighter pants.

The same goes for sweaters and coats -- wear them and then put them in the overhead compartment.

Also, tennis shoes weigh less than dress shoes. So wear your dress shoes and pack your tennis shoes.

That hardcover book you’ve been wanting to read, leave at home. It weighs a couple pounds, so bring a paperback instead.

While there is a weight limit of 50 pounds for each bag, remember you are allowed two bags.

Petzinger said bring them both.

"Rather than overstuff one, you can have two 48 pound suitcases and you're not over. But one 52 pound suitcase would put you over, so if you're going to be close at all, we say pack twp suitcases," he said.

And remember: Airlines don't care how heavy your carry-on is, only the size.

You can always check it in at the gate, where there is no weight restriction for that, either.

So, pack light and pack smart, and weigh it on the scale before you head to the airport. It will save you money and your back.

For more tips on smart packing, check out Angie's Consumer Blog.