1st time flying question - luggage

[DaniB]

We have never flown before, so this is all new! I appreciate any help experienced flyers can give me.

While packing, how do I make sure our luggage is under 50lbs? We have a scale, but I'm sure it doesn't weight these to the ounce.

Does the airport weigh the luggage in front of you? If it turns out 1 bag weighs more than another, can we quickly move stuff from one to the other?

Dani

 

[LWQuestie]

We have never flown before, so this is all new! I appreciate any help experienced flyers can give me.

While packing, how do I make sure our luggage is under 50lbs? We have a scale, but I'm sure it doesn't weight these to the ounce.

Does the airport weigh the luggage in front of you? If it turns out 1 bag weighs more than another, can we quickly move stuff from one to the other?

Dani

You can buy a handheld luggage scale from LL Bean, REI and other outdoorsy/travel stores.

I'd shoot for your luggage to be way under 50lbs on the way down so you have room for souvenirs on the way back!

 

[formill]

Airport weighs each piece right at counter in airport where you set it down on the lower part at the counters is a scale-digital read out right there- have seen LOTS of people doing the switching......moving stuff from one suitcase to another and jamming stuff in carry ons to get the weight down-of course you are slowing the line down while you do this. We don't have the biggest size of suitcases allowed- go one size down and so far that has worked to always keep them under the 50lbs.....and we don't pack heavy things like say jars of peanut butter or anything! At home I hang onto ours- weigh suitcase with me then weigh me without and subtract the difference. There was also a scale in Orlando airport at the southwest counter/line up before you actually get to the counters so you could weigh your suitcases- so if you do that then you can do your sorting before you get up to the counter.

 

[dudspizza]

Yes, they do weigh them right in front of you and will allow you to move stuff around.

I have used a bathroom scale for years and it has been really close. If you are 45 lbs or under, you should be just fine at the airport. If your home scale says 49 lbs, you are pushing it....

I totally agree to shoot for being way under as you always seem to come home with more than you left with, especially if your suitcase is expandable.

One trip DW put her books and shoes in her suitcase by mistake. When the scale read 53 lbs, she about freaked... as soon as she realized what she had done, she relaxed and put her books and shoes in her carry on... problem solved....

Duds

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Disney resorts have a scale at the RAC counters.

 

[traveljunkie2]

As others have mentioned, I use a digital bathroom scale and aim for 48 lbs or less, just to be safe. I always pack a lightweight duffle bag in one of my suitcases. I always end up coming home with way more than I brought, and it is cheaper to check another bag that pay the overage fee. If you haven't maxed out your carryon limit you can always carry on the duffle bag also.

As far as packing goes, if you are bringing jackets, wear them onto the plane instead of packing them. Wear your heaviest shoes, too. If you think you are close to the weight limit for one of your bags, put your heavier items (shoes, sweatshirts, toiletries) on top so it is easier to move things between suitcases if needed.

 

[Cruz91]

We always pack an old suitcase with food. We stay offsite, so it has all kinds of stuff, but even if you're on-site, you can take pop tarts, cereal, snacks, etc. Then, we use that bag for souvenirs on our return trip.

 

[DaniB]

Thanks! There are 4 of us going (2 adults, 2 kids). As each of us are allowed to check-in a suitcase, plus the carry-on it looks like we should be good! No heavy items are coming with us (I hope!) and I'm going to order some breakfast & snack items from gardengrocer to be delivered.