The weight of luggage is increasingly becoming an issue for many travellers as airlines tighten weight restrictions and hand luggage allowances. As flying becomes more accessible to all through the use of low budget airlines such as RyanAir and Easyjet, certain airlines are looking to make as much profit as possible through tough new weight guidelines and fines if these are not stuck too.

This had led to travellers becoming more knowledgeable and smart about exactly what they are allowed on board and in the hold. In general, budget airline allow less weight for your suitcase and some restrict the weight and size of hand luggage.

In light of this many devices and systems have come about to make packing and sticking to the right weight easy. The first is the EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scale which is light and small enough to bring on any holiday weighing just 5.5 ounces. The Voyager allows the traveller to weigh their case digitally and precisely by strapping the scale around a suitcase handle. The large but light handle gives good grip for both hands as the weight is displayed in kilograms or pounds. The device is very easy to use and can measure even the heaviest of cases – up to 110 pounds!

Another useful gadget is the new suitcase from Delsey – a self weighing suitcase that’s handle turn red when it weighs over 22kg, the case gives room to pack various travel essentials such as clothes, shoes and toiletries alongside preventing over packing. Once the suitcase is packed the user can move the case and test if the red light comes on to alert them to a weight issue. The idea launched from the well established and renowned luggage company hopes to remove any issues at the airport and save flyers expensive excess baggage costs. Some airlines currently charge £20 per kilo over, so for an airline that allows at 15kg luggage weight – a small amount for a two week holiday – going over by just 3kg would cost £60. To put things in perspective this could be the weight of two pair of heavy shoes such as wedges or heavy clothing such as jumpers and a dressing gown.

With such large charges it is no wonder that many companies are introducing gadgets in an attempt to measure luggage weight and help customers avoid hefty fines. The best way to steer clear of excessive charges is to check before flying and never assume that all airlines have the same allowances.

Featured images:

•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: sxc.hu

Jenny Wadlow is online marketing manager of Suitcase.org.uk, the UK’s leading luggage supplier.