The fermion bag approach is a new method to tackle fermion sign problems in lattice field theories. Using this approach it is possible to solve a class of sign problems that seem unsolvable by traditional methods. The new solutions emerge when partition functions are written in terms of fermion bags and bosonic worldlines. In these new variables it is possible to identify hidden pairing mechanisms which lead to the solutions. The new solutions allow us for the first time to use Monte Carlo methods to solve a variety of interesting lattice field theories, thus creating new opportunities for understanding strongly correlated fermion systems.