Packing for a trip can be stressful. It might not be a big problem for light packers, but figuring out what to bring on a trip is a struggle for most people. Plus, you have to ensure that everything is within the recommended weight limit of your airline.
Most travelers have questioned the accuracy of weighing scales in airports. That is why having a luggage scale handy is a must for travelers. If you don’t have one yet, remember to check reliable luggage scale reviews online to give you an idea what’s the best model to use.
Pro Tips When Flying With Luggage
If you have plans to fly on your next trip, you must know the latest airline baggage fees, rules, and regulations. This way, you can avoid any inconveniences on the day of your departure.
1. Know the Weight Limit for Checked Luggage
Most big airline companies have similar requirements for checked baggage. Generally, it should not exceed 50 pounds for regular passengers. Those with premium tickets have up to 70 pounds luggage allowance.
On the other hand, budget airlines typically allow up to 40 pounds of checked baggage but require a higher fee than more prominent airlines. In addition, both ask for extra payment for excess baggage weight. To ensure you have the facts right, check your airline’s baggage weight requirements, including overweight and extra bag fees.
2. Know the Requirements for Carry-on Bag
The carry-on bag requirements vary among airlines, each having its separate set of rules and regulations for hand-carried bags. Most of the time, they are concerned about the bag’s size and not the weight. Your carry-on must fit the upper compartment.
Airline companies usually have crates at the airport, allowing passengers to check if their bags fit. However, some airlines also require weight limitations in addition to the carry-on bag’s size requirements.
In your carry-on bag, try to put all your essential items first, followed by some extra things you might need in a day, like undies and a different shirt. You can throw in some snacks, too.
3. Weigh Your Bags at Home
It’s best to weigh your luggage at home before leaving for the airport. Doing this ensures it’s within your airline’s limit, avoiding any hassle and inconvenience on the spot.
You can use a weighing scale for humans or invest in a portable luggage scale. It doesn’t matter whatever option you choose, as long as you get its weight. Also, planning and knowing how to pack wisely will significantly help prevent overweight luggage.
4. Send Luggage Ahead
Sending your luggage ahead is an expensive option but a more convenient one when it’s time for you to travel. The catch is that you need to pack in advance and have it picked up ahead of your departure date.
Most Reliable Ways To Weigh Your Luggage
There will always be discrepancies every time you weigh your luggage using different devices. At the airport, the airline agent decides whether your baggage is within the limit or not. Here are various ways to know the weight of your luggage:
1. Luggage With Built-in Scale
One sure way of knowing your luggage’s weight is by using one with a built-in scale on its handle—no need to buy a portable weighing device. Several manufacturers have developed this luggage model, making it more convenient for travelers.
2. Portable Luggage Scale
If you still have a working suitcase, an upgrade is not necessary. However, it is advisable to have a portable luggage scale handy. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose from affordable to more expensive models.
Most of these scales come with a hook that you can link to your suitcase’s handle. Once attached, simply lift the luggage off the ground using the scale. Hold it steady for several seconds until the numbers level out on the display. Then, read and record the weight for reference.
3. Regular Home Scale
Although using your regular weighing scale at home is not the most precise and reliable way to weigh your luggage, you can make do with what’s available. There are two ways you can weigh your luggage using this machine.
Firstly, you can simply place the bag directly on top and read the weight. The other option is to step on the scale and note your weight. Next, pick up the luggage and weigh yourself while carrying it. Get the difference between your weight with the suitcase and without it.
4. Airport Scale
Many airports provide scales so that the passengers can check the weight of their baggage and make necessary adjustments before going to the check-in counter.
Accuracy of Airport Luggage Scales
There are plenty of doubts when it comes to airport luggage scales accuracy. Some believe that it’s common for different airlines to have inaccurate devices. Others say it depends on the airport.
In reality, these airline luggage scales are not accurate. Most of these devices are calibrated yearly, and the daily wear and tear make them unreliable. That said, it would be best to weigh your luggage before heading to the airport using your own reliable scale.
If you don’t, you will be surprised by the significant price difference between a suitcase within its weight limit and an overweight one. That’s an extra expense on top of the other ones included in your travel budget.
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