The Best Luggage Scales for Travelers: Weighing Your Way to Peace of Mind
Traveling is stressful enough without surprise overweight luggage fees at the airport. A luggage scale is a handy tool to avoid this hassle. The dread of airport scales showing your suitcase tipping over the limit, leading to unexpected fees, is a universal travel woe. Here’s what you need to know about choosing a luggage scale and how to weigh your bags, including oversized ones.

Choosing a Luggage Scale:
There are two main types of luggage scales: digital and manual. Digital scales are generally more accurate and easier to read. They also often come with features like a tare weight function (which allows you to zero out the weight of the scale itself) and the ability to switch between weight units (pounds, kilograms, etc.). Manual scales are simpler and more affordable, but they can be less accurate.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a luggage scale:
- Weight capacity: Make sure the scale can weigh your heaviest suitcase. Most luggage scales have a capacity of up to 80 or 110 pounds.
- Accuracy: Look for a scale that is accurate to within 0.5 pounds or kilograms.
- Ease of use: The scale should be easy to hold and read.
- Portability: If you travel frequently, you’ll want a scale that is compact and lightweight.
- Extra features: Some luggage scales come with extra features like a built-in tape measure or a temperature sensor.
Most of these luggage scales are very affordable. They are all within a range of $10-$15 with some for less than $10!
Travel Inspira Digital Luggage Scale

- Why We Love It:
- Non-slip grip handle for lifting heavy luggage with ease.
- Simple button activation for switching between pounds and kilograms.
- Backlit screen with temperature gauge (both Celsius and Fahrenheit).
- Extremely accurate weight measurement.
- Compact design for easy storage.
Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale

- Runner-Up:
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Clear LCD display.
- Precise weight readings.
- A reliable companion for frequent travelers.
Dr. Meter 110 lb Luggage Scale

- Best Budget Option:
- Affordable and effective.
- Supports up to 110 pounds.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Perfect for occasional travelers.
Kingon Digital Hanging Luggage Scale

- Best Built-in Measuring Tape:
- Combines weight measurement with a built-in tape measure.
- Ideal for checking overall dimensions of your luggage.
- Durable and user-friendly.
Ozeri Twist-and-Go Kinetic Kitchen and Luggage Scale

- Best Battery-free Option:
- Innovative kinetic energy technology (no batteries required).
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Suitable for both kitchen and travel use.
Samsonite Manual Scale

- Best Manual Option:
- Classic design with a sturdy handle.
- Dependable and straightforward.
- A reliable choice for traditionalists.
Top Picks for Standard Luggage
Tarriss Jetsetter Digital Luggage Scale: Offers a compact and ergonomic design, with a backlit digital display and a capacity to weigh bags up to 110 lbs.

For the Oversized and Heavy Baggage
Weighing oversized luggage presents a unique challenge, necessitating scales with higher capacity and robust construction.
- Camry 110 Lbs Luggage Scale: This scale shines with its sturdy design and higher weight capacity, perfect for larger items.
- Freetoo Luggage Scale: Ideal for heavy luggage, offering a comfortable grip and an easy-to-read LCD display, supporting weights up to 110 lbs.

Weighing Your Luggage:
To weigh your luggage with a digital scale:
- Attach the scale to the handle of your suitcase.
- Lift the suitcase so that it is hanging from the scale.
- The weight of your suitcase will be displayed on the scale.
Weighing Oversized Luggage:
If you have oversized luggage that won’t fit on a digital luggage scale, you can weigh it using a bathroom scale:
- Weigh yourself without your suitcase.
- Pick up your suitcase and weigh yourself again.
- Subtract your weight from the combined weight to find the weight of your suitcase.
Here are some additional tips for weighing your luggage:
- Weigh your luggage on a level surface.
- If you are unsure about the weight limit for your airline, err on the side of caution and pack under the limit.
- Some airlines allow you to purchase additional baggage weight online in advance, which can sometimes be cheaper than paying overweight fees at the airport.
Now on your next trip to the airport you can rest assured you won’t have to pay overweight luggage fees and ensure a smooth travel experience. Know the weight before you leave the house!