Are you always anxious when your baggage is being weighed at the airport?
If yes, then you are not alone. Almost every traveler is conscious at that point.
Let's be honest, an overweight luggage adds extra expense to your travel budget. And, who wants to begin their trip with the mood killer of paying extra baggage fees?
This is the reason owning a luggage scale is an essential travel accessory.
A luggage scale is a device that helps you weigh your baggage before going to the airport. It is a portable tool that you can easily carry anywhere you go. It mainly helps you to pack within the weight scale as prescribed by the airline, saving you from the unnecessary expense of overweight baggage. It is available in digital and analog forms.
This blog will help you understand why you need a portable luggage scale, how to use it, its benefits, how to purchase the best luggage scale, and more. So, let's dive in!
The Problem of Overweight Luggage
Airlines impose strict guidelines on the baggage weight to be carried by every traveler. Since a traveler's luggage contributes to the aircraft's weight, its balance, and fuel consumption, it is crucial for a traveler to pack within the prescribed limits.
Overweight baggage can hamper the operational efficiency, safety, and performance of the aircraft. Moreover, it incurs additional costs for the traveler. In some situations, travelers have to repack their baggage on the spot at the airport to maintain the prescribed weight, which can cause stress and anxiety at the beginning of the traveler's journey.
Plus, every airline has different charges for overweight baggage, like:
- American: $100
- Delta: up to $200
- United: up to $200
- Southwest: up to $200
- Frontier: up to $100
- JetBlue: $150
- Alaska: $100
- Spirit: up to $125
Save yourself from paying heavy baggage charges by using a luggage scale and packing smartly. Within $200, you can go camping, on a road trip, or explore something new. Don't waste your hard-earned money on overweight luggage.
What is a Portable Luggage Scale?
A portable luggage scale helps you weigh your bag before proceeding with the check-in formalities. It is a lightweight device that you can carry anywhere easily. You can determine the exact weight of your bag using a luggage scale, which will save you from paying extra baggage charges.
Earlier portable luggage scales were available in analog type, but now, they are also available in digital form. Let's understand both types briefly.
Analog Luggage Scale
They are mechanical devices that use the spring-loaded apparatus to weigh the bag. You can hang your bag on the hook, and the weight is determined using a dial and a pointer. It is a durable and ever-ready tool to use as it doesn't require batteries to be operated. An average analog scale can weigh up to 80-88 pounds (36 - 40 kgs).
Digital Luggage Scale
They are electronic devices that weigh your bags and display the weight on a small LCD screen on the device. It offers accurate measurements, allows you to convert the weight in various units like kilograms or pounds, and features an overweight indicator. It typically has a hook or strap to attach the luggage to be weighed. The maximum weight a digital luggage scale can hold is up to 110 pounds (50 kg).
Why Every Traveler Needs a Portable Luggage Scale?
If you are still skeptical about the need for a luggage scale, here are some reasons that will help you understand its importance better.
Avoiding Extra Charges
Weighing your luggage beforehand and maintaining the prescribed weight by the airline saves you from paying additional baggage costs.
Peace of Mind While Traveling
Traveling with luggage that weighs according to the airline's guidelines helps you to have a stress-free travel experience.
Convenience & Portability
It is a lightweight device that you can keep handy without taking up extra space in your bag. Thus, allowing you to weigh your bags anywhere easily.
Time Saving
An appropriately weighed bag will cut the hassle of shifting through counters and running around the airport in stress.
Useful Beyond Flight
A portable luggage scale is helpful beyond flights. You can use it to weigh your bags, heavy parcels, etc., while traveling on a cruise, road trip, or train. Moreover, its portability makes it easy to carry everywhere.
How to Use a Portable Luggage Scale?
To help you use the portable luggage scale accurately, here's the step-by-step guide to follow:
- Attach your bag to the hook or strap of the luggage scale.
- Lift the bag upwards, till it doesn't touch the ground. Keep your hand stable to get an accurate measurement.
- Wait for 3-5 seconds to get the weight of your bag.
- Once the weight flashes on the screen, note it down and adjust the contents to maintain the weight of the bag according to the airline's guidelines.
Moreover, to get an accurate measurement of your bag's weight, you can check the batteries inserted in the device and measure once the device displays zero on the screen.
Top Benefits of a Portable Luggage Scale
You might have already understood the perks of owning a portable luggage scale, but to make it evident, here are some benefits of the same.
Saves Money
With a bag weighing according to the airlines' guidelines, you will not have to pay extra money. Thus, it is a beneficial tool for you.
Prevent Stress
Travelling with a bag that meets the weight limit releases the stress of clearing your baggage check-in, allowing you to have a peaceful journey.
Encourages Efficient Packing
With the help of a luggage scale, you can remove unnecessary items from your bag, helping you to pack efficiently.
Lightweight, Travel-Friendly Tool
The luggage scale, being a lightweight tool, makes it handy to use and increases mobility. Thus, making it a travel-friendly tool.
Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Luggage Scale
You should consider these points while buying a portable luggage scale.
Weight capacity
Check the maximum weight capacity of the luggage scale so that you can have an accurate measurement of your luggage. It is recommended to choose a luggage scale with a capacity of at least 50 kg.
Precision and accuracy of measurement
Measure some household items whose weight is already known to check the accuracy of the luggage scale.
Durability and build quality
Ensure that the scale is built using strong materials and can survive rigorous travel routines.
Ease of use
Choose a luggage scale that has a clear display and a comfortable grip to hold heavy luggage.
Battery life (for digital models)
Check the battery life of the luggage scale before buying one. Choose the one that has a low battery indicator and auto-shut off capabilities.
Conclusion
Traveling just got easier with a portable luggage scale in your backpack. It is a blessing in disguise to own one and save yourself from overspending at the baggage check-in for overweight luggage. It is lightweight and handy for carrying almost everywhere, allowing you to travel peacefully and save your money.
If you are looking for a portable luggage scale that doubles as a power band and includes a handy vacuum pump, consider Aerigo's WanderPack, the ultimate three-in-one solution for your travel needs. Visit Aerigo's website today!
