Luggage scales are a simple and practical solution to the problem of excessive fees airlines charge for overweight bags. They are one of the most important accessories for travel that you can have!
They are small and lightweight, and you can just pop them in your carry on to re-weigh your bags before you return home (those souvenirs and tee shirts add weight to your bags, you know!).
I never travel without a scale. Most styles just hook onto the handle of your bag; you lift the bag (using the scale to lift) and read the weight. You'll know instantly if you're in danger of being charged a hefty fee at the airport. If your bag is too heavy, just go through it and take out a few items (yes, you can take a few things out - I promise you your vacation will not be ruined if you go without those gold strappy sandals or 15 bottles of hair products!). You might be able to move a few items to your carry on, too, if it's not too stuffed.
Don't push the envelope, though - you will be shopping on vacation, won't you? And you'll need room in the bag - and in the weight limits - for all those goodies you'll be carting home.
And carting it is! Do you really want to haul a bag that weighs more than 50 pounds, even if you're willing to pay the fee? (Check out our
packing tips
for more ideas and information about that!) It's just a good idea to know exactly how much your bag weighs before going to the airport; the pain in your back - and your wallet - are just not worth it!
On this page, you'll see some of the best carry on luggage scales we can find. Feel free to send us your ideas, too!
What's Your Favorite Luggage or Accessory?
Do you have a bag you just can't live without? Or a favorite luggage tag, luggage scale, luggage cart or other accessory? Tell us about it!
(be sure to include the URL of the online store where it can be purchase, or we may not be able to use your review)
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...