Weighing your baggage before you leave will prevent stress from overly heavy baggage, and there's a simple way to do this. Purchase a handheld luggage meter so you can easily determine the weight of your luggage. If you don't want to buy a luggage meter, no problem! Use a regular scale by measuring your own weight and then your weight while holding the trunk. The difference between the two weight measurements is the weight of your baggage.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using a Scale
Step 1. Place the scale in an open area
This way, you can weigh your luggage more easily. Keep the scales away from walls or furniture so the luggage doesn't bump into anything.
Ideally, weigh luggage in the kitchen or a large room with lots of open space
Step 2. Weigh your weight and write the result
After turning on the scale, step your foot on it and wait for a number to appear on the screen. Write down the results on a piece of paper so you don't forget. Get off the scale when you're done.
- If you can estimate the weight of your luggage, you can use this number to see if the weighing results are accurate or not.
- You must write down your weight because it will reduce the result of the next measurement.
Step 3. Grab your luggage and climb back on the scales
Now, you will weigh yourself and the baggage weight. Keep your weight in the center of the scale, and write the results down on a piece of paper beforehand.
Wait for the scale to return to zero before you climb back up
Step 4. Reduce the weight when carrying luggage with the weight when not carrying luggage
The difference is the weight of your baggage. Do calculations by heart, using pen and paper, or using a calculator.
- For example, if your weight is 60 kg and the weight of the baggage you are holding is 75 kg, you will subtract 75 kg by 60 kg, which means that the baggage weight is 15 kg.
- Check the baggage weight limit on your airline's website to make sure your bag doesn't exceed the limit.
Step 5. Support your luggage on the scales if it is too heavy to carry around
If you are carrying a large bag or the luggage is too heavy to carry, place a stool or something similar on the scales. Set the scale to zero to prevent the weight of the bench from showing up, or subtract the weight of the bench from the total weight after you put your luggage on the scale.
Turn the bench upside down so that the flat side is facing the scales and the trunk is placed between the legs of the bench or other support
Method 2 of 2: Weighing Luggage with Handheld Scales
Step 1. Purchase a handheld scale to weigh your luggage easily
This tool is great if you travel a lot and always weigh your luggage. These handheld scales can be purchased at hardware stores or online, and you can choose from a wide variety and types, including digital scales.
- This handheld scale is very small and light so it is easy to carry when on the go.
- Most airports also sell handheld scales.
Step 2. Set the scale to zero
If your scale is digital, press the on button and wait for the numbers to return to zero. Other scales may need to be adjusted using a finger to move the arrow back to zero, such as clockwork.
- If your scale is not digital, make sure both arrows are at zero.
- Your scale should have a user manual, which you can read if needed.
- Usually digital scales need to be charged first.
Step 3. Mount your luggage on the scales
Your scale is attached to a hook or rope. If you are using a hook, place your luggage handle in the middle of the hook to hang it securely. If you are using a strap, attach the strap by threading the strap through the trunk handle and tying it with a strong hook.
Try to hang your luggage so that the weight is evenly distributed
Step 4. Lift the trunk slowly using both hands for 5-10 seconds
If you pull the scale up too quickly, the measurement results will exceed the proper weight. Lift the scale that is attached to the luggage properly and slowly, while keeping the luggage as still as possible.
Using both hands will help transfer the weight so that the measurement results can be accurate
Step 5. Check the scales for your baggage weight
If you use a digital scale, it will lock the measurement result when it has reached an accurate weight, which means the number will stop changing. For other scales, both needles will point to the number according to the weight of the baggage being measured.
- You may need to wait a little longer for the scale to measure an accurate weight so be patient and try to keep the luggage from moving while you are holding it.
- On a regular scale, one needle will return to zero when you unload the trunk, while the other hand stays at the previous measurement so you don't forget it.
Tips
- Check the weight limit of your airline.
- You can also plan to arrive at the airport early and weigh your luggage there so you have time to move things into your carry-on bag if needed.
- Consider weighing your baggage for free at the post office in your city.
- Keep in mind that if you add items to your carry-on bag after they have been weighed, the previous measurements will be inaccurate.
