Us Airports: Luggage Weighing And You

Weighing luggage before a flight can be a stressful experience, especially as weight restrictions vary between airlines. Most major US domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, but several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage and, in some cases, personal items.

Some airports have luggage scales, but they often charge a fee to use them. However, there are other ways to weigh your luggage. For example, you can use a bathroom scale by weighing yourself and then yourself holding the luggage. You can then subtract your weight from the overall weight to find out how much your bag weighs. Alternatively, you can purchase a handheld luggage scale, which is small and portable, and take it with you on your trip.

Weighing luggage at home

Weighing your luggage at home is a good idea to avoid the stress of finding out your bags are too heavy at the airport. Here are some ways to weigh your luggage at home:

Using a Bathroom Scale

Place the bathroom scale in an open area, away from walls or furniture, so that your luggage won't be resting on anything. Weigh yourself first and write down the measurement. Then, hold your luggage and step back onto the scale. Record this measurement as well. Subtract your weight from the overall weight to find out how much your luggage weighs.

Using a Handheld Scale

Purchase a handheld luggage scale if you travel often. These are small, portable, and can be easily stored in your luggage. Set the scale to zero, attach your luggage to the hook or strap, and slowly lift the luggage up for 5-10 seconds. Look at the scale to see the weight of your luggage.

Weighing Luggage at the Supermarket

If you don't have access to a bathroom scale or a handheld scale, you can weigh your luggage at your local supermarket. Many supermarkets have scales that you can use, and you can weigh your luggage while you shop for other travel necessities.

Weighing Luggage at the Post Office

Another option is to take your luggage to your local post office and use their scales to weigh your luggage. This is a free service that can help you avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

Remember to check the weight restrictions of your airline and pack accordingly. It's always a good idea to keep your luggage a little below the maximum weight to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Using a handheld scale

Handheld luggage scales are a great, cost-effective way to avoid paying overweight baggage fees. They are portable, accurate, and multi-functional, making them a useful tool when packing for a trip.

There are a variety of handheld luggage scales available for purchase, with prices ranging from $7.74 to $26. Here are some options:

Digital Luggage Scale by Nutri Fit

This digital luggage scale by Nutri Fit has a weight capacity of 110lb/50kg. It is portable and handheld, making it a convenient option for travellers. This scale is available on Walmart for $7.99.

Digital Luggage Scale by Luxebell

The Luxebell Digital Luggage Scale is a lightweight, portable, and durable option for travellers. It has a weight capacity of 110lb/50kg and features a tare/zero function, which allows you to measure exactly what you want. This scale is available on Amazon for $10.22.

Digital Luggage Scale by Travel Inspira

The Travel Inspira Digital Luggage Scale is compact and easy to use, making it a great travel companion. It has a weight capacity of 110lb/50kg and features a backlit screen. This scale is available on Amazon and Travelinspira.com for $11.

Digital Luggage Scale by Fosmon

The Fosmon Digital Luggage Scale is a stainless steel, handheld scale with a weight capacity of 110lb/50kg. It features a tare function and is available on Walmart for $9.99.

Manual Luggage Scale by Samsonite

The Samsonite Manual Scale is the most accurate luggage scale we found. It has a weight capacity of 80lb/36kg and does not require batteries, making it a durable and low-maintenance option. This scale is available on Amazon for $9.

Weighing luggage at the airport

• Most domestic airlines in the US do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags. However, several international airlines have weight restrictions for both carry-on luggage and personal items. It's important to check your airline's specific policies before your travel.
• To avoid surprises at the airport, it is recommended to weigh your luggage before leaving home. You can use a bathroom scale by weighing yourself first and then again while holding your luggage. The difference between the two measurements will give you the weight of your bag. Alternatively, you can purchase a handheld luggage scale, which is easily available at big box stores and online.
• If you are unable to weigh your luggage in advance, some airports provide weighing services, usually for a fee. Additionally, you can make use of publicly accessible luggage scales, which are available at some airports. These scales may be located at empty check-in desks or self-check kiosks.
• It is important to note that weight restrictions are enforced more strictly when the flight is full or when there are more passengers carrying large hand luggage. In such cases, you may be asked to check your carry-on bag, sometimes even at the gate, resulting in additional charges.
• While weight limits are crucial, it is also essential to ensure that your luggage complies with the size restrictions specified by your airline. Most airlines provide sizing devices at the gate to check if your bag fits within the allowed dimensions. Soft bags with some flexibility in their shape can be easier to accommodate within the sizing devices.
• To avoid any issues, it is generally recommended to keep your luggage within the specified weight and size limits. This will help you avoid additional charges and potential delays during boarding.

Weight limits for carry-on bags

While most major US domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage and, in some cases, personal items.

The standard carry-on size limit for many airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), and your carry-on must fit in the sizer at the airport. This includes the handles and wheels.

Some airlines have linear inch restrictions for carry-on baggage, meaning the airline gives one number for the total of all three dimensions. As long as the combined height, width and depth don't exceed that number, your bag is within the limit.

If you are travelling with a musical instrument, it must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Some airports and planes may have additional carry-on restrictions.

It is worth noting that some international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. For example, if you are flying to or from Beijing or Shanghai with Delta Airlines, there is a 22-pound weight limit for a carry-on; for Singapore, there is a 15-pound limit.

If you are flying with American Airlines, there is a weight limit of 51 lbs for checked bags.

Size limits for carry-on bags

When flying, it's important to ensure your carry-on luggage meets the size restrictions of the airline you're flying with. While the specific dimensions vary depending on the airline and region, there is a consistent size limit across the majority of airlines.

Carry-on Luggage Size Limit

The carry-on size limit for many airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or 56 x 36 x 23 cm, including the handles and wheels), ensuring your bag fits in the overhead bin. However, some airlines have linear inch restrictions, meaning the combined height, width, and depth must not exceed a certain number. For example, Sun Country Airlines has a limit of 45 linear inches, while Singapore Airlines uses a unique method where the three dimensions must not exceed 45 linear inches in total.

Domestic Airlines

Most domestic airlines in the US do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin. However, some domestic airlines, such as Frontier and Southwest, allow 24-inch luggage as carry-on.

International Airlines

International airlines often have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. Easyjet and Ryanair, for example, have specific weight limits and tighter size restrictions, with a limit of 21 inches or less.

Personal Item

In addition to your carry-on suitcase, most airlines allow a personal item such as a laptop bag, purse, or briefcase, as long as it is generally small and can fit under the seat in front of you. The dimensions for personal items vary by airline, with American Airlines specifying dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches, while other airlines provide less specific guidelines.

It's important to check the size restrictions of your specific airline, as carrying luggage that exceeds the size or weight limits may result in additional fees or the need to check your bag.

Frequently asked questions