How To Check Your Suitcase Weight

Written By Craig Coleman  |  Suitcase 

If you’re planning to travel by air, it’s important to know how to check the weight of your suitcase. Luggage weight limits are set by the airlines, and if your suitcase is too heavy, you could be charged extra fees. In this articles we’ll look at the quick and easy way to check the weight of your suitcase.

Checking the Weight of Your Suitcase Before You Leave for Your Trip

Most people have experienced the sinking feeling of watching their suitcase zip along the conveyor belt toward the x-ray machine, only to have it come to a screeching halt when the weight sensor detects that the bag is overweight. If this happens to you, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to avoid this costly mistake.

First, be sure to check the weight limit for your airline. Each airline has different restrictions, so it’s important to know what yours is before you arrive at the airport. Most airlines have a limit of 50 pounds for checked baggage, but some are as low as 40 or 45 pounds.

Next, invest in a good quality luggage scale. This will allow you to weigh your bag before you leave for the airport, so you can make sure it’s within the limit. Many luggage scales also have a built-in tape measure, so you can double check the dimensions of your bag as well.

Finally, pack smart! Avoid overloading your suitcase by packing heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. And, if possible, wear your heaviest items on the plane. This will free up space in your suitcase and help to keep it within the weight limit.

Why It Is Important To Know the Weight of Your Suitcase

When you are packing for a trip, it is important to know the weight of your suitcase. This will help you determine how much you can bring with you and how much you need to leave behind. It can also help you avoid overweight baggage fees.

There are a few different ways to weigh your suitcase. You can use a luggage scale, which you can find at most travel stores or online. You can also use a regular bathroom scale. If you are using a bathroom scale, make sure to account for the weight of the suitcase itself.

Once you know the weight of your suitcase, you can start packing. Make sure to evenly distribute the weight so that your suitcase is not too heavy on one side. This will help you avoid any problems when you are trying to lift it or move it around.

If you are packing heavy items, such as books or electronics, it is best to put them near the wheels of your suitcase. This will help distribute the weight and make it easier to maneuver your suitcase.

Once you have packed your suitcase, make sure to weigh it again. This will help you double check that you have not packed too much. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the weight of your suitcase.

How To Check the Weight of Your Suitcase

There’s nothing worse than being at the airport, ready to check in for your flight, only to realize that your suitcase is overweight. Avoid the stress (and potential fees) by learning how to check the weight of your suitcase before you leave for the airport.

Here are a few tips on how to check the weight of your suitcase:

  1. Look at the luggage weight limit for your airline. This is usually listed on the airline’s website. Keep in mind that this is the maximum weight allowed, so your suitcase should be lighter than this.
  2. Use a bathroom scale. This is the most accurate way to measure the weight of your suitcase. Simply place your suitcase on the scale and weigh it.
  3. Weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself holding the suitcase. This method is not as accurate as using a scale, but it will give you a general idea of how much your suitcase weighs.
  4. Use a luggage scale. If you don’t have access to a bathroom scale, you can use a luggage scale. These can be found at most luggage stores or online.

Now that you know how to check the weight of your suitcase, you can avoid the hassle (and fees) of having an overweight suitcase.

Tips for Packing Light and Keeping Your Suitcase Under the Weight Limit

If you’re a light packer, congratulations! You’ve mastered one of the most difficult travel skills. For the rest of us, packing light is a challenge. But it’s a challenge that’s worth taking on, because packing light has so many benefits. It saves you money (luggage fees are expensive!), it saves you time (no waiting at the baggage carousel!), and it’s better for the environment (less fuel is used to transport your lighter bag!).

Here are 5 tips for packing light and keeping your suitcase under the weight limit:

  1. Start with a small suitcase. It’s easier to pack light if you have less space to begin with.
  2. Use packing cubes. Packing cubes help you maximize space and keep your belongings organized.
  3. Roll, don’t fold. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them will save space and prevent wrinkles.
  4. Limit yourself to one carry-on bag. This will force you to be more selective about what you pack.
  5. Wear your heaviest items on the plane. This includes your coat, shoes, and any other bulky items.

Conclusion

To check the weight of your suitcase before you leave for the airport, use a bathroom scale, a luggage scale, or weigh yourself and then weigh the suitcase holding it. The luggage weight limit for your airline is usually listed on the airline’s website.

About the Author

Craig Coleman

Growing up in a small town in Connecticut, Craig dreamed of visiting far-off lands. After college, he hit the road, and became a full-time travel writer.