Luggage weight, getting same as airport weight!

[Kalamiphile]

I recently flew from Gatwick on Easyjet, where luggage allowance was 20kg. As I am soon flying with a luggae allowance of only 15kg wanted to keep to that to check how much could pack. Weighed at home, on electronic scales and luggage scales, did number of times to double check. Both machines came out at just under 15kg, at airport they weighed in at 17kg.....

Before I throw away more money on machines that don't match the airport ones, have you tried any and got same weight at home as at airport. Feel like I am being conned here somewhere along line! many thanks

ps, have also weighed empty suitcase with luggage machine and that weight is accurate!!

[Fuschia]

Report it to trading standards?

[ianr]

I'd first test my own scales, on a hard surface (even a carpet can reportedly alter some readings by up to 2.5kg) , either using objects of a known weight and using a total weight in the range of interest, or by comparing with previously calibrated and tested scales. And keep a record. Even domestic scales with a systematic error can be useful, so long as it's consistent and you know what it is.

If their inherent error (most measuring devices have one) was substantially lower than the 2kg discrepancy you noted, I'd think of having a word with the airline and/or Gatwick's local Trading Standards office. It's not unknown for airport scale readings to be in error. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1583588/Gatwick-bag-weighing-scales-one-in-five-faulty.html

[Kalamiphile]

Thank you, that is very useful. I had already checked my electronic scales and only ever use on hard surface, what seemed strange was that both my machines came up with same weigh and it was Gatwick that was different. Might take the article with me!

[Loz]

Some travellers tips...

- Remember, Easyjet don't care about the weight of your hand luggage, so put all heavy (non sharp, non liquid) objects in there. Ryanair do weigh you hand luggage (you have 7kg), but they usually do it at the check in desk, so leave heavy hand luggage things with a friend while you check in.

- When you get to the airport, head off to a closed check-in desk - the scales still work and you can get a rather more official second opinion to argue any 'funny' readings. Plus you get more time to do stuff in my first tip if your hold luggage is a little over weight.

- When you put you bag on the scales, make sure it us hard up against one side. Or, better, leaning on one of the raised edges. I've knocked 5kg off a bag doing that.

[Kalamiphile]

I like the last tip, bet I wouldn't get away with it!! Good idea about going to closed check in, will definately try that one. Thanks

[stacey-lyn]

Loz Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Some travellers tips...

>

> - Remember, Easyjet don't care about the weight of

> your hand luggage, so put all heavy (non sharp,

> non liquid) objects in there. Ryanair do weigh

> you hand luggage (you have 7kg), but they usually

> do it at the check in desk, so leave heavy hand

> luggage things with a friend while you check in.

>

> - When you get to the airport, head off to a

> closed check-in desk - the scales still work and

> you can get a rather more official second opinion

> to argue any 'funny' readings. Plus you get more

> time to do stuff in my first tip if your hold

> luggage is a little over weight.

>

> - When you put you bag on the scales, make sure it

> us hard up against one side. Or, better, leaning

> on one of the raised edges. I've knocked 5kg off

> a bag doing that.

On Easyjet, there is no weight limit on cabin baggage though it has announced that passengers who want to be guaranteed their luggage will be stored in the cabin will need to stick to a bag size of 50cmx40cmx20cm from 2 July.

So, your hand luggage will need to be 37 per cent smaller than the current standard size or it may go into the hold and therefore part of your weighed allowance.