A handy £13.99 luggage gadget could save you from paying a hefty £65 in baggage fees with airlines like Ryanair, easyJet or British Airways. Not only this, but it's easy to pack so you don't have to stress about your baggage allowance on your return journey, especially with those extra souvenirs.
We all know the anxiety of placing our bags on the check-in desk scales before boarding our flight, waiting for those scales to predict our next move. If your luggage is overweight, airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and others will charge you extra.
The solution to this problem? A handy £13.99 item from Amazon: a portable, lightweight scale. The FREETOO Luggage Scale can measure up to 49.9kg (110lbs) from suitcases.
Simply hook it around your suitcase handle, lift, and the digital display will reveal the weight. You'll then need to cross-check this with your booking to ensure you're not over the limit, reports Wales Online.
This nifty gadget is small enough to fit into your suitcase pocket and weighs a mere 90 grams, so it won't significantly impact your final weight score. What's more, its currently on offer on Amazon reduced from £19.99 to an affordable £13.99.
Three of the UK's biggest airlines all charge fees if your bags exceed the limit. For instance, on British Airways, if your suitcase weighs between 23 - 32kg, you'll be hit with a £65 fee for each overweight bag - or the equivalent in whichever country you are in.
However, if your luggage tips the scales over 32kg, you won't be able to check it in though this rule doesn't apply to wheelchairs, mobility aids, and medical equipment. And watch out for those extra fees! Ryanair will set you back £9 to £11 per kilo for excess baggage if you pay at the airport, which can really add up.
Meanwhile, easyJet isn't far behind with a hefty £15 charge for every 3kg your bag is over the limit, so it pays to pack smart. The luggage scale is proving to be a must-have for travellers, boasting an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 43,000 ratings.
One thrilled customer shared: "Works great. Shows different weights and is clear to see. Very precise and the strap can fit around all handles for easy use, great product."
A second penned: "Does the job, small to carry with you when travelling so that you stay within the luggage allowance, fast dispatch and delivery."
"I've had this scale for a couple of years now. I travel frequently and this scale has never let me down. It's very accurate even after having used it for 20kg+ suitcases often. It's light, easy to pack, easy to use, accurate," wrote a third.
Another added: "There wasn't anything to dislike about this. Very easy to change from lbs to kgs. Can see the weight there in your hand. Clear and bright display. With the handy strap and its hook attachment there must be thousands of uses for this, not only just holiday luggage. When you've finished weighing your cases just put it in an inside pocket, ready for the homeward leg. Don't want to be overweight coming home. All in all good idea, many uses and easy to use."
Some customers have questioned the scale's accuracy as one reviewer commented: "The luggage scales are a nifty little product. Shame the battery only lasted one holiday, despite taking out and only using 3 times!! Shouldnt need to buy new battety, stiil, I have and it works grand!"
Another stated: "This luggage scale is accurate. That was my main reason for getting a new one. However the handle part is a bit small, so when you are lifting up a large or heavy suitcase, it is difficult to hold and see the screen at the same time. It is small enough and light weight enough to tuck into your carry on bag. But be warned, it is not an easy luggage scale for large, cumbersome or heavy items."
The FREETOO Luggage Scale can be purchased on Amazon for £13.99. Other alternatives on the market, include Argos who offer a highly acclaimed digital luggage scale for £15.
The Beurer LS 06 Luggage Scale can weigh up to 40kg and has an integrated tape measure. Dunelm also sells a traditional scale for a budget-friendly £4.
