Why Luggage Scales are Every Traveler's Friend!

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By allykat

Contrary to popular portrayal, packing for a vacation or business trip can be a stressful affair to many travelers. Accompanying the concern whether you've packed too few clothes is the worry you might have packed too many! This is a particular concern if you intend to check in your luggage before the flight. More often than not, passengers tend to fall afoul of an airline's luggage weight limit when their luggage is placed on luggage scales.

Ironically, studies have suggested that 20% of weigh-ins are inaccurate, which means that more people are paying fines for nonexistent infringements than needed! Unless the traveler carries his or her own luggage scale, he or she is usually unable to dispute that figure.

In cases like these, digital luggage scales are something a savvy traveler can fall back on. These gadgets tend to be small, which makes them portable. Unlike an analog scale, it is hard to argue with the figure displayed on an easily read digital display. A scale like this weighs very little too, which makes it convenient to pack and provides assurance that your check-in lightweight luggage does not exceed an airline's stipulations.

Luggage Scales Can Save You Money!

EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale w/ 110 lb. Capacity & SmartGrip
Amazon Price: $19.95
List Price: $49.95
Taylor 8120 Digital Luggage Scale
Amazon Price: Too low to display
List Price: $19.99
Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale 100lb 44kg BZ200
Amazon Price: $12.68
List Price: $29.99
Air Weigh LS-300 Portable Digital Luggage Scale
Amazon Price: $11.99
List Price: $19.99

One of the best things about travel luggage scales is that they pay for themselves as early as your first trip abroad by saving you excess weight fees. This is especially true when you're returning after that dream trip. Anyone who has ever traveled will tell you that you will always wind up with more luggage than you started with.

Aside from checking what the luggage weight limit of your airline is, weighing your own luggage beforehand allows you to repack as needed. This is why you should leave some space in your wheeled carry on luggage. Just to ensure all bases are covered, check that your hand luggage conforms to the sizes allowed by the airline as well.

There are many varieties of luggage weighing scales; unfortunately, you cannot gauge the quality of one particular scale based on its price alone. Yet, even though most scales are priced in an affordable manner, opting for the cheapest one is not a viable solution as you may not receive the best value from it.

First, determine if you actually need one. If you travel for leisure, not business, then you probably will not need it. Conversely, it can be very helpful for frequent travelers who often have to contend with wildly differing luggage weight limits between different airlines. You should also opt for the smallest scale possible in order to for it to fit well in your bag and to avoid contributing to your luggage weight

Most scales can detect weights of up to 40 kg, which is usually sufficient for most luggage. So, check the maximum weight a scale can read first. Aside from this, determine what unit is used to denote weight on the scale. Some scales display in pounds or kilos, some use both. It should also be easy to use, and a carrying case would be convenient but not necessary. Some scales also have tape measures, which can be used to ensure your luggage is within an airline's size limits.

Owning your own luggage scales is a good way to prevent the frustration of finding out your luggage weighs too much. Combined with their user-friendliness and compact size, they are a worthwhile purchase which saves a traveler from paying unnecessary luggage fees. Don't forget to get yourself some good luggage tags as well, so you don't have to worry about any lost bags! Now, it is time for you to start enjoying your vacation!

Comments

Gypsy Willow profile image

Gypsy Willow Level 5 Commenter 17 months ago

Excellent advice for every traveler. Those fees can add up!

allykat profile image

allykat Hub Author 17 months ago

Thanks Gypsy! Yes, buying a luggage scale is really worth it!

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