One of the scariest things that many travelers (on a budget) always want to make sure is to not go over the maximum weight for their checked bags.
If traveling internationally, you will want to find out what the maximum weight limit your airline will allow for checked bags.
In my last trip to Japan, I had about 35 pounds total in my two checked in luggage, but coming back, I was at 55 pounds. I was five pounds over the limit.
Needless to say, I was sweating bullets because I needed to relieve five pounds and had to keep emptying items to fit in my carry-on and then going back and forth to see if the weight of my checked in luggage was within the 50 pound limit.
Some airline companies charge $100 if your combined checked baggage is between 50-70 pounds and $450-$600 if baggage is over 70 pounds and under 100 pounds.
While a friend let me use his luggage scale before I left to Japan, I didn’t bring my digital scale and needless to say, I regretted that decision.
Digital or analog luggage scales do not cost that much. You can purchase them for under $20, most are under $10.
I have a basic Accuweight portable travel scale which has a max weight capacity up to 110 pounds. Because I have to keep my two checked bags at 50 lb (23 kg) for both (not individually), it was important to have a digital scale that was portable to keep in my luggage or carry-on luggage.
Also, this digital weight shows weight in pounds, kilograms, ounces and grams and comes with a metal hook and locking strap.
It also has a blue backlight display which made it easy to read, auto-off function and low-battery indicator and takes two AAA batteries unlike some that take the flat batteries.
While digital and analog scales are not always 100% accurate, they are very close. And so far, while traveling, I have been quite pleased with how this portable digital travel scale has worked for me.
Personally, whether or not you get this brand, what matters is that if you are traveling, definitely for your peace of mind, purchase a portable travel luggage scale. Unless you don’t mind paying the extra hundred or more dollars just for a few extra pounds that are in your luggage.
