Packing for a trip can be challenging – you want to make sure you have everything you need, but you also don't want to overpack and end up lugging around a heavy suitcase or paying extra at the gate. So, how do you know how much your luggage weighs without a scale? Here are a few tips.

How to weigh luggage without a scale

Rudy's Tips

Weigh Yourself First

This might seem like an odd place to start, but it's the most accurate way to weigh your luggage. Simply step on a scale at home (preferably one that displays weights in both pounds and kilograms) and record your weight. Then, put all of your luggage on the scale with you and subtract your weight from the total. This will give you the weight of your luggage.

Use a Luggage Scale at the Airport

If you're traveling by airplane, most airlines have scales at the check-in counter that you can use to weigh your luggage for free. Simply put your suitcase on the scale and ask the attendant for the weight. They'll be more than happy to help.

Estimate

Estimate if you don't have access to a scale, you can always make an educated guess about how much your luggage weighs. Most full-sized suitcases weigh between 20 and 30 pounds (9-14 kg). So, if you're packing light, your suitcase probably weighs on the lower end of that range. If you're packing heavier items like winter clothes or shoes, it might be closer to 30 pounds (14 kg).

Check Airlines Baggage Allowance

Even if you don't have a scale, knowing the airline's baggage allowance can still help you estimate how much your suitcase weighs. Most economy class passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard, with a combined weight of 40 pounds (18 kg). So, if your carry-on is close to that weight limit, your suitcase is probably over the limit as well.

Household Items

Household items such as a potato or a tomato can help you figure out your luggage weight. Simply place the item in your luggage and mark its location with a pen or piece of tape. Then, when you arrive at your destination, weigh the item on a local scale and subtract its weight from the total weight of your luggage. This will give you an accurate estimate of how much your luggage weighs!

Ask for Help

If all else fails, ask a friend or family member to help you estimate the weight of your luggage using one of the methods above. Chances are, they'll be able to give you a pretty good idea of how much it weighs.

Rudy Wants You To Know

No one likes being charged for overweight luggage, but it's an all too common occurrence at airports. Airline baggage fees have become increasingly common in recent years, and as a result, many travelers have started to invest in luggage scales. A quality luggage scale can save you time and money by helping you avoid overweight baggage fees. Additionally, a scale can be a useful tool for making sure that your luggage meets airline size restrictions. When packing for a trip, simply weigh your bags before heading to the airport. This will help you avoid any stressful surprises at the check-in counter. Whether you're a frequent traveler or just taking an occasional vacation, a luggage scale is a worthwhile investment.

Rudy's Wrap Up

Packing for a trip can be challenging – you want to make sure you have everything you need, but you also don't want to overpack and end up lugging around a heavy suitcase. Fortunately, there are a few ways to estimate the weight of your luggage without using a scale. By weighing yourself first and then subtracting your weight from the total, using a luggage scale at the airport, or estimating based on the contents of your suitcase, it's easy to get a rough idea of how much your luggage weighs without having to find a scale.

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