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I'm a chronic overpacker — this $11 luggage scale saves me so much embarrassment
Over 54,000 five-star fans rely on this portable gadget for keeping bags in check.
I'm an avid traveler, yet I still struggle with overpacking. This habit once got me into a bit of a pickle at New York's JFK airport when my checked luggage was overweight. I had to open my suitcase in front of other fliers and remove items to lessen the weight (thank goodness I was able to squeeze in a pair of shoes into my carry-on).
After that self-inflicted case of public embarrassment, I invested in a luggage scale to keep myself in check. It ended up being a complete game changer — and it only cost me $11.
VERDICT: This may be the best $11 I've spent. It's saved me a bundle in overweight baggage fees. To use, simply wrap the strap around your luggage handle and pull up to apply the weight. In a moment the weight reading will appear.
- Affordable
- Portable and compact
- Wireless, battery included
- Instant weight reading
- Must manually lift suitcase to receive the reading
I'm a habitual overpacker. No matter what packing techniques I employ (I've even tried packing cubes), I always tip the scales on my first try, especially on my return flight. When traveling with my spouse, mother or friends, some of whom are very nervous fliers, I enjoy having one less thing to worry about. This luggage scale gives me peace of mind.
The old-school method of propping your suitcase upon a standard weight scale can be unreliable — and oftentimes, a large suitcase or duffle bag might obscure the readout. This Etekcity Luggage Scale gives you an accurate reading each time.
I appreciate that the reading is instant. There've been times when I've made last-minute packing adjustments before rushing out for a flight and needed a weight check ASAP. This made it stress-free. Other helpful features include an auto-off function, a low-battery indicator and even a temperature sensor (which could come in handy on camping trips).
To use, hook your suitcase's top handle to the luggage scale strap and pull it up to apply the weight. In a moment, the reading will appear. Folks with physical limitations may need help lifting their suitcase.
The scale supports up to 110 pounds, and it's unlikely that your luggage come close to that max limit. Most airlines set a 60-pound weight limit, but check with your airline before traveling.
To illustrate the true worth of the Etekcity Luggage Scale, let me share a story about my mother — the most nervous flier I know. Once when she was asked to lessen the weight of her suitcase (the problem runs in the family, clearly), she was so shaken that her hands trembled uncontrollably. I can empathize. Traveling, especially internationally, can be a bit anxiety-inducing.
So when she saw me use this scale to weigh her luggage at my apartment, she was intrigued. I showed her how it worked and pointed out that her suitcase was — once again — overweight. She was grateful to be spared from embarrassment.
At the airport, we double-checked the weight of her edited-down suitcase at baggage drop-off and confirmed that everything was within the allowed limit. The reading was exactly the same as the portable luggage scale's. She got to her gate with time to relax before her flight. When I got home, I ordered one to be sent to her home.
Whether you're an overpacker like me or a nervous flier like my mother, the affordable Etekcity Luggage Scale is a simple piece of travel tech that you'll be glad to have.
An overweight bag is a big no-no at the airport. This portable gadget will keep you (and your souvenirs) in check.
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