When preparing for a flight, you may want to have a luggage scale handy. Many airlines have instituted baggage fees based on the type, number, size and weight. Each one has their own policy, requirements and fee schedule depending if the type is a carry-on or checked bag. Check with the official airline websites to find this information and be prepared.
There are three general types of luggage scales: hand held manual, hand held digital and on the floor. The hand held manual ones are basic and cheapest (example ). The digital styles are easier to read and may have a more accurate reading (example ). The floor models can weigh bags by placing them on the scale vs. having to pick them up and holding them in the air (example ).Additional features are something to contemplate. Stop and lock types will record the weight before you set a bag back down. This is especially important if you don't have someone around who can read the scale while you are holding a bag. As bag and box dimensions are things that are examined by the airlines, one with a tape measure would be helpful since it serves more than one purpose.
Luggage scales can be helpful in many ways. They can reduce stress if there is a concern about the weight and size of a bag. They can help travelers decide what and how much they will be able to pack. They can be used to weigh boxes if you want to consider shipping things to your destination ahead of time. A luggage scale would make a great gift for any traveler!
