Weighing Hand Luggage & Charges

[Mark]

We always weigh or cases before we leave home on some fairly accurate scales I use when weighing refrigerant for work ( air conditioning installs) and also a digital parcel scale we have as a double check.

I also have a small hand held luggage scale that is fairly accurate.

On our recent trip from Liverpool to Palma my case was about 18.7 kilos when weighed by me. Liverpool airport under weighs, was about 17.5 kilos. I should have taken photos of the various scales to keep a record.

On return journey I checked my case to be about 18.2 kilos with hand held scale ( we used the shampoos and stuff so case was a bit lighter), was only just under weight at Palma

My wifes case was just the same, light at Liverpool heavy at Palma.

Never been charged because we always weigh our cases and aim for 18.5 kilos on return journey as I know the scales are a bit out.

This happens many times, sometimes is OK so some check in desks must be OK.

The only reason I can think of is Money

One of those investigative TV journalists should do an undercover documentary about this.
Have a case officially weighed and sealed by trading standards at 19.75 kilos and travel Europe with it and see how many times they get charged for over weight. Film it all with a hidden camera at check in.


Mark.

 

[Harters]

Mark

The investigative bit sort of already done. Google throws up a couple of articles from The Times - funnily enough both featuring Girona airport which bigdav also mentioned. Perhaps something "iffy" going on there which is why the supervisor was so amenable to bigdav's mate, when challenged.

Interesting discussions on the subject on the "money saving expert" website - which basically conclude, as you do, that the best way to avoid charges is not to have overweight baggage. We also try to be a couple of kilo under to avoid possible hassle and have never had a problem. This holiday, for info, we flew out BMIBaby and return by Monarch (from/to Manchester).

 

[joelise80]

Weighing luggage

Just had a Netto flyer through the door and they have baggage scales for £2.99 in store from Monday. I will probably get some to use here and take with me to avoid problems at Palma. Be prepared as the Girl Guides say