Luggage Scale to the Rescue!

Since airlines have started to charge a fee to check a second bag- some even charge for checking one bag- passengers have been trying to find ways to keep the number of bags they bring on a trip to a minimum. Some travelers are accomplishing this by trying to turn two suitcases into one; by either packing less or by overpacking their one suitcase. The problem with over packing one's suitcase is that it might result in the suitcase being too heavy. Airlines charge extra money for suitcases that exceed a certain amount of weight; the best way to combat this is to weigh your luggage before heading to the airport. This way, you can be sure that you will not have to pay a fee for your luggage being over the limit. 

The best device to weigh ones luggage, is to use a luggage scale. A luggage scale is a simple gadget that can be used at home, at a hotel, or anywhere one needs to weigh their luggage. The luggage scale pictured above works by hooking the luggage handle to the device and then hold the device up to read how much your luggage weighs. This little device could save you money; it will tell you if your luggage is too heavy or not and because of it's size, it can easily be taken with you. 

Following are how much airlines charge if your luggage is over the weight limit:

• American Airlines~  50-70 lbs: $50 per bag; 71-100 lbs: $100 per bag; 101+; not accepted

• Continental Airlines~ 50-70 lbs: $50 per bag; 71+ lbs: not accepted

• Delta~ 51-70 lbs: $80 per bag; 71-100 lbs: $150 per bag; 101+; not accepted

• Jet Blue~ 51-70 lbs: $50 per bag; 71-99 lbs: $100 per bag; 99+: not accepted

• NWA~ 51-70 lbs: $50 per bag; 71+: not accepted

• Southwest~ 51-70 lbs: $25 per bag; 71-100 lbs: $50 per bag; 101+: shipped as Air Cargo (if classified as a Known Shipper as defined by the TSA)

• US Airways~ 50lbs or less: $15 for first bag, $25 for second bag, $100 for three-nine bags; 51-70lbs: $65, $75, or $150; 71-100 lbs: $115, $125, $200; 101+: not accepted

More Fees for Passengers?

As previously blogged, the air industry has started to charge for checking a second bag. According to an article from the Boston Globe, US Airways and JetBlue Airway Corp have taken it a step further and will be starting to implement additional fees. The fees that will be implemented would consist of charging for a pillow, blanket, headphones, even priority seating, a window seat and a seat that provides extra legroom. Such fees have already been in effect for Air Canada (where 45% of their domestic passengers paid additional fees in 2007) and European airline, Ryanair Ltd.


These new fees are becoming more common among airlines; the airlines are trying to compensate for the rising price in fuel. Starting today, US Airways will start charging at least $5 to passengers who want to reserve an aisle or window seat, if they are flying coach.

JetBlue has started to charge passengers $10 to $30 extra if they want to sit in rows that have a greater distance between the seats. According to the article, since this new option was introduced, JetBlue has “Doubled the amount of revenue [we] anticipated for the first year of [our] rollout”

At the beginning of June, JetBlue will also start charging $1 for headphones. These headphones will be of better quality than the complimentary ones and will only be available for purchase before boarding the plane. In June, JetBlue will start charging passengers if they want a pillow or an extra blanket. Similarly, the quality of the pillows and blankets will be better than the complimentary ones and they will be for the passengers to keep.

Apparently, these new fees are not making everyone shudder. Some people are still willing to fly. Some individuals think that their flying experience might be better, now that they can pick and choose the additional amenities they would like.