Travelers' Dilemma: Airport Scales And Weighty Matters

Airport luggage scales are a source of concern for many travellers, with some travellers reporting that their bags appear heavier when measured at check-in counters. This can result in unexpected additional fees for bags that exceed the airline's weight limit. While most scales are accurate, reports from CBS Los Angeles indicate that discrepancies do occur, with one faulty scale at LAX displaying a reading of 53 pounds for a 50-pound weight. To ensure accuracy, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection inspects scales at LaGuardia Airport and JFK Airport every two years. Similarly, scales at some European airports are inspected annually and require certification. To avoid surprises at the airport, travellers are advised to purchase small luggage scales for home use and allow for minor variations between their scale and airport scales. Additionally, some airports offer publicly accessible scales, and travellers can also weigh their bags at empty check-in desks.

Airport scale accuracy

Airport luggage scales are generally accurate, but discrepancies do occur. To ensure travellers that airport scales are accurate, inspections are carried out. The frequency of these inspections depends on the airport. For example, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection inspects scales at LaGuardia Airport and JFK Airport every two years. The Los Angeles County Weights and Measures Bureau tests the scales at Los Angeles International Airport annually and found that 86% of scales were accurate to within one-tenth of a pound. At Long Beach Airport, 62% of scales were found to be accurate, while 71% of scales at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank were found to be accurate.

Inaccurate scales can cause problems for travellers, as they may be charged extra fees for baggage that is over the weight limit. For example, bags that exceed the 50-pound weight limit may incur an additional fee of up to $100. Therefore, it is important for travellers to be aware of the accuracy of airport scales and to take steps to avoid extra fees.

To avoid extra fees due to inaccurate scales, travellers can purchase their own small luggage scale to use at home when packing. This allows travellers to ensure that their baggage is within the weight limit before arriving at the airport. Additionally, if travellers suspect that a scale at the airport is inaccurate, they can ask the airline employee to test their bag on another scale nearby.

It is worth noting that some airports offer public scales and repacking areas, which can be helpful for travellers who want to double-check their baggage weight or make last-minute adjustments. Overall, while airport luggage scales are generally accurate, it is advisable for travellers to be proactive in checking their baggage weight and being aware of the potential for discrepancies.

Weighing luggage before arriving at the airport

To ensure you don't get caught out, it is recommended to purchase a small luggage scale to use at home when packing. These can be bought for $10-$20 from a travel supply store and will help you make sure you're not getting too close to your airline's weight limit.

However, it's a good idea to allow for some variation between your scale and the one at the airport. If your suitcase is tipping the scale at, say, 48 pounds, it's time to lose that extra guidebook or pair of boots.

If you're worried about your luggage being overweight on your return journey, you could mail souvenirs and other purchases home, or wear extra layers of clothing to reduce the weight of your luggage.

Some airports also have publicly accessible scales, although these may charge a fee to use. Alternatively, you could try going to an empty check-in desk and using their scales, which are usually permanently on.

If you do end up with an overweight bag at the airport, one option is to remove some items and put them in your pockets or wear extra layers of clothing to reduce the weight of your luggage.

What to do if a scale is inaccurate

Airport scales are meant to be tested and standardised, but some travellers have reported that their luggage appears heavier when measured at the airport. This is a concern for travellers, as it can result in unexpected extra fees for bags that exceed the airline's weight limit.

Check for an inspection sticker:

Look out for an inspection sticker on the scale, which indicates when it was last checked. For example, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection inspects scales at LaGuardia Airport and JFK Airport every two years. If the sticker indicates that the scale is overdue for inspection, report it to the airport staff or the relevant authorities.

Request a re-weigh:

If you suspect that the scale is inaccurate, politely request the airline employee to re-weigh your bag on another scale nearby. This may help to confirm if the first scale is indeed faulty.

Use your own luggage scale:

Consider purchasing a small, portable luggage scale that you can carry with you when travelling. Use it to weigh your luggage at home before leaving for the airport. This way, you can make any necessary adjustments to your packing and avoid surprises at the airport.

Allow for a small weight margin:

When packing, aim to keep your luggage weight slightly below the maximum allowed limit. This will give you some leeway in case of any discrepancies between your scale and the airport scale.

Repack or redistribute weight:

If your bag is slightly over the weight limit, you may be able to quickly adjust by transferring some items to your carry-on bag or wearing an extra layer of clothing. This can help you avoid additional fees without having to remove items from your luggage.

Spread out the weight:

When travelling in a group, consider spreading out the weight of your luggage among your companions. This can help each person stay within their weight allowance and avoid excess baggage fees.

Opt for a free gate check:

If you are checking a bag that is an overhead carry-on size, you may be able to bring it with you to the gate and request a free gate check. This option may be available if you are concerned about the accuracy of the scales at the check-in counter.

Report inaccurate scales:

If you encounter an inaccurate scale at the airport, report it to the airport authorities or the consumer protection agency responsible for overseeing weight measurements. They can investigate the issue and take corrective action, such as repairing or replacing the faulty scale.

How to avoid extra baggage fees

Yes, there are scales at the airport, and they can sometimes be inaccurate. Here are some tips to avoid extra baggage fees:

Weigh your luggage in advance

Weighing your luggage before you get to the airport can help you avoid nasty surprises. Portable luggage scales are cheap and easy to find, and they can save you a lot of money in the long run. Weighing your luggage in advance also gives you the opportunity to repack and remove any unnecessary items.

Pay for additional weight in advance

If you think you might exceed the weight limit, it's almost always cheaper to book extra hold luggage in advance rather than paying excess baggage fees at the airport. Airlines often offer discounts of up to 50% if you buy extra weight online.

Pool baggage with a travel companion

If you're travelling with a partner, friend, or family member, you can spread the weight of your luggage across multiple bags. Ask the airline staff to weigh your bags together, and if they're being picky, you can always even out the loads in the bathroom. Some airlines, like Emirates, let you buy baggage by overall weight rather than by the number of pieces.

Wear your heaviest items

A tried and tested trick to avoid overweight baggage fees is to wear your heaviest items. That bulky winter coat or those hefty hiking boots will weigh down your suitcase less if you put them on instead.

Choose the right airline

When choosing an airline, consider their baggage policies and how they align with your travel needs. Some airlines offer generous carry-on allowances, while others provide competitive checked luggage rates. Additionally, look into whether the airline provides any free amenities like snacks or in-flight entertainment, especially for long-haul flights.

Use lightweight luggage

Your luggage itself might be the culprit for excess weight. Older suitcases often have heavy frames that take up a significant portion of your total allowance. Upgrading to a lighter case or swapping your hard-shell suitcase for a canvas backpack can give you a few extra precious kilos.

Use compression bags

Compression bags are a great way to compact your clothes into manageable, pocket-sized bundles without the need for a vacuum cleaner. They help you save space and avoid the need to check in an extra suitcase.

Pack versatile clothing

Versatile clothing that can serve multiple purposes and be layered for different climates will give you a wider array of outfit options without taking up extra space.

Check what amenities are provided by your accommodation

Before you start packing towels, toiletries, and a hairdryer, check whether your accommodation provides these amenities. This will free up space in your luggage and save you from potential excess baggage fees.

Maximise your hand luggage allowance

Make the most of your hand luggage allowance by bringing the maximum number of items allowed. Some airlines offer the ability to upgrade your in-cabin allowance to a larger bag that can be stored in the overhead locker.

Choose a larger suitcase

While it may seem counterintuitive, a single larger suitcase can often be more affordable than multiple smaller suitcases, as you pay a single checked luggage fee instead of multiple fees for extra pieces of luggage. Airlines also tend to be more lenient with their size and weight restrictions for checked luggage compared to carry-on.

Publicly-accessible scales at airports

The accuracy of luggage scales is a common concern, and for good reason. Inaccurate scales can result in unexpected fees or, conversely, taking advantage of lenient weight limits. To ensure accuracy, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection inspects scales at LaGuardia Airport and JFK Airport every two years, with similar practices likely in place at other airports. Out of 900 scales inspected at these two airports, only two were found to be non-compliant, demonstrating the overall reliability of the scales.

However, discrepancies can still occur due to various factors. To avoid surprises, travellers are advised to weigh their luggage on multiple scales before leaving for the airport, aiming for a comfortable margin below the weight limit. Additionally, consider investing in a personal luggage scale to use before and during your travels. This empowers you to identify any issues promptly and potentially avoid unnecessary costs.

In summary, publicly-accessible scales at airports are a convenient resource for travellers, but they are not always available at every airport. Travellers can also take proactive measures by using personal luggage scales and being mindful of weight distribution across their bags. By staying informed and prepared, you can navigate the challenges of baggage weight limits and have a smoother journey.

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