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After planning, paying, and packing for your upcoming vacation, the last thing you want to face is an unpleasant surprise at the airport. Nothing ruins vacation excitement like getting slammed with an overweight luggage fee at check-in. Beyond the added fee, it may derail any shopping plans and make you doubt whether or not you can bring home souvenirs from your time away. While your home bathroom scales might only be slightly off, it can’t come on vacation with you. A better solution? A luggage scale. Compact and portable, they make weighing bags at home an easier task, can go with you anywhere, and provide added peace of mind. I tested out a handful of luggage scales to see which of these new travel staples are the best. Read on for full reviews of my favorites. Smart Bathroom Scales
With each scale I filled a carry-on and checked bag up as if I were going on a summer trip. My packing list included blue jeans, sneakers, and swimsuits, and of all my electronics and various chargers. I weighed both bags and came to a 15 pound carry-on as well as a 55 pound checked bag. I tested each scale for accuracy, ease of use, and portability. After conducting a few trials, I’ve reviewed six of the best luggage scales to ensure that more of your money is going towards the best parts of travel, and not overage fees.
The design of Amazon’s digital luggage weight is simple yet efficient. The weight has a strap with a hook that circles around the luggage handle and connects to the base of the scale. The scale can weigh up to 110 pounds and is powered by a CR2032 battery which isn’t included in the packaging. I found the Amazon Basics scale to be accurate; the only drawback is the screen—it can be dark and hard to read at times. It’s small, compact, and can be easily put in a carry-on, tote bag, or crossbody.
Travelon’s strong but mighty Stop & Lock luggage scale has a maximum capacity of 70 pounds—the most common weight limit for extra-heavy check-in luggage. Although portable, compared to other luggage scales this one is on the bulkier side due to the hook. If you don’t do much shopping on vacation, this is a good one to keep at home.
The Longang has a sleek, hanging scale that can weigh up to 110 pounds and is powered by a CR2032 battery that is included in the order. The scale has a nylon strap with a large hook that wraps around luggage handles to make it easier to lift and weigh. It can weigh more than just checked luggage—it can be an asset on fishing trips or grocery runs, if you need to weigh your catch, fruits, or vegetables. Although it had a similar design to the Amazon Basics portable digital luggage weight, the LCD display screen has a stronger green light that makes the numbers easier to read.
With over 100 years of experience handling luggage, travel bags, and accessories, it’s no wonder that Samsonite would come up with its own version of a problem solver for customers. The brand’s electronic luggage scale can capture up to 80 pounds and features a tape measure to make sure carry-ons also comply with airline-size protocols. Fitted with a hook, travelers can lie their baggage vertical or horizontal to weigh before getting to the airport. I found this to be one of the most accurate luggage scales, but one of the drawbacks is the small hook, which might not fit on all luggage handles.
This wide stainless steel platform is able to weigh up to 440 pounds and can detect as small as 6 ounces on the large LCD display screen. The scale can display a variety of readings: kilogram, gram, pounds, and ounces. This scale is ideal for at home use given its larger size and ability to accommodate large boxes.
The Skeap Digital Fish scale has a 110-pound weight capacity and I found it to be extremely accurate. The scale has high precision sensors that can capture weight from 0.01 ounces to 110 pounds for fish, luggage, boxes, fruits, and vegetables, making it a useful tool beyond just travel. This scale had a more comfortable grip than the others I tested out thanks to the soft, rubber-coated, extra-wide handle. The digital weight does require two triple A batteries to operate, which are included in the packaging.
After testing out these scales, I would recommend travelers buy the Longang Digital Hanging luggage scale. It’s portable, incredibly accurate, and easy to use. The definitive feature that promoted it to the top spot was the lit LCD screen that made it easier to see the weight.
Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published by Condé Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
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