I think making sure your luggage is the correct weight is important as:
- I don’t want them to take my carry on bag off me;
- Its annoying to pay extra for a checked in bag that exceeds the weight limit.
So what are the options?
Bathroom Scales
This is my normal check, but there are a few things to think about:
- Make sure no part of the luggage touches the ground otherwise they will read low.
- The scales are meant for weighing people in the 50kg – 150kg range and won’t be as accurate when weighing a few kg.
- Your home bathroom scales won’t be regularly calibrated
Travel scales
You can buy a travel scale like this for around $10.
- These are likely to be more accurate in the 5kg – 50kg range than the bathroom scales.
- Holding a 23kg case up with that handle isn’t going to be easy.
I’m not a big fan though as it can be just one more thing to have to take, and as its rarely used you normally find the batteries are flat when you need it.
Weighing at the Airport
Many airports do provide check scales before the check in, where you can weigh your bags, and then swap contents between checked bags and your carry on.
Alternatively, there is often a vacant check in desk where you can sneak over and use the scales there. ( I see people do this often and I have never seen anyone stop them)
An advantage of using airport scales is these scales are normally regularly checked by a government body.
My Additional Travel Hacks
- Don’t worry about a few extra grams. . . . In the past I have been waved through with a bags close to 1kg over.
- Don’t forget to be wearing a jacket and being able to fill the pockets. (Often the contents of my jacket pockets can weigh 3+kg)
- Remember the weight when you travel out as it will give you a good idea how much extra you can bring back.
