Weighing your suitcase before you board the plane is essential. This is because each passenger is only allowed to carry a certain weight of luggage, whether it’s a carry-on for the cabin or checked baggage.
Most airlines set a weight limit of 7 kg to 9 kg for carry-on luggage. The limit for checked baggage, however, varies depending on the type of ticket you purchase.
If your luggage and other items exceed these limits, the airline usually requires you to pay an excess weight fee. If you choose not to pay, you may have to leave some items behind.
To avoid these issues, it is highly recommended to weigh your luggage before you head to the airport. In this article, I will discuss several methods for weighing your luggage, whether you're at home or already at the airport.
One of the easiest and most effective methods to weigh your luggage is by using a hand scale. You can easily find these scales designed specifically for luggage in online marketplaces that sell travel accessories.
These hand scales are highly accurate and have been tailored for suitcase weighing. They are also small and compact, making them convenient to carry while traveling.
To weigh your suitcase with a hand scale, first make sure your suitcase is fully packed. Then, follow these steps:
To ensure accuracy, you might want to repeat these steps a few times until you are confident about the weight reading. If the weight exceeds the airline's baggage allowance, you can then remove some items to reduce the weight.
If you don't have a hand scale, another option is to use a body scale. However, keep in mind that body scales may not be as accurate as hand scales, especially if not used properly.
Body scales are generally calibrated to measure the weight that is directly placed on them. This can make it challenging to accurately weigh items that are larger than the scale itself.
Not to mention that the weight of the item is distributed unevenly and not centered on the scale. This is particularly problematic when weighing luggage, as most suitcases are larger than the body scales.
However, there's no need to worry. I have two tips that can help improve the accuracy of body scales when weighing luggage. Here are the methods:
One approach to determine the weight of your luggage involves using your own body as part of the scale. This method involves standing on a body scale with and without your suitcase to gauge its weight. Here’s how you do it:
This calculation suggests that the suitcase weighs approximately 15kg. Keep in mind that this number is an estimate, not an exact figure. To avoid any issues with airline weight restrictions, consider packing lighter than the limit. Additionally, it’s better to shoulder the suitcase during this process for more accurate distribution across the scale.
For greater precision, you can weigh each item inside your suitcase separately. This method ensures that you account for every piece:
Ensure that each item you weigh is small enough to fit on the scale. Group small or lightweight items together to meet the scale’s minimum weight requirement for accuracy. This meticulous process helps you avoid any surprises at the airport and ensures you stay within the baggage limits.
The last thing consider is using the luggage scales at the airport. These scales are highly accurate and specifically designed to weigh luggage and other passenger belongings.
You will generally find these scales near the check-in counters. Their placement allows passengers to weigh their suitcases before handing them over to the airline staff at the counter. The scales are large enough to accommodate various types of luggage that passengers bring.
To use the airport scale, simply place your suitcase on it. The scale will then display the weight of your suitcase. This same process can be used for weighing bags, boxes, or any other items you are traveling with.
These are three ways you can weigh your suitcase, whether you're preparing at home or find yourself already at the airport. If you know of other methods to weigh your luggage, please share them with us in the comments section!
