Many years ago, I can recall playing the luggage rebalancing game at the airport counter. It seemed like every nearby passenger was looking at my family as if we were Martians. Not to mention the fact that everyone was looking at our personal belongings. Who likes people looking at your stuff? Nevertheless, it was still a very embarrassing experience and one that I will never forget.
Luggage Scales
Now, you can purchase a small compact luggage scale from almost anywhere. In fact, scales are so compact and light you can squeeze them into an empty shoe in your luggage. In my opinion, they are worth their weight in gold. Let’s face it, the airlines are counting on you being too tired to play the “bag-weight rebalancing game” and will use the opportunity to charge you extra baggage fees for your overweight bag. Honestly, most airlines may not even accept the overweight luggage item at all. So, that places you in a situation where you will have to buy an additional bag at the airport. Well, if you are running late, this excursion to the airport store may cause you undue stress, plus that new bag is going to be considerably more expensive than what you would like to pay. But since you are in a desperate situation and you are going need an additional bag. Plus, the airport store will not let that bag sell for cheap. To avoid this entire situation I just mentioned, here are a few tips:- Always bring a collapsible bag with you when traveling. One that will fit flat in one of your checked bags, but is sturdy and secure enough to handle a fair amount of weight (15-25 lbs).
- Read the airline’s baggage/luggage policy before you depart. This definitely will help you plan accordingly.
- Always travel with one less bag than your total parties’ allocation. For example, if three people are traveling, travel with 5 bags (assuming that two checked bags are free). In this case, you will not have to pay for the sixth bag.
- Travel with your scale in an accessible but safe place inside your luggage. If you ever need it, you can grab it.
- Try to find the free scales in the airport ticketing area to verify your bag’s weight before getting to the counter.
- Hotels, resorts, and cruise ships have scales on board as well. Ask your concierge or front desk clerk for assistance.
- Never overstuff your carryon bag if you suspect your checked bags will be overweight. Please give yourself a few pounds for flexibility just in case.
- Remember, scales are for approximating weight. The airline’s luggage scale is the final authority.