In Comm101 we discussed the differences and benefits between a large, full-priced airline such as Delta or United and a cheap, discount airline such as Ryan Air or Air Berlin. When one flies with the discount airlines one expects to be nickeled and dimed for the extras – booking a seat ahead of time, bathrooms (thank goodness that one was rejected), and overweight luggage. In a December 2011 blog by Christopher Elliot he comments on how the Air Berlin “luggage scales [are] a scam” as they are rigged to show a greater weight than the bag actually is. Terrible – but when the discount airlines already try to make money wherever they can this is not unexpected. This seedy money grab, however, is not expected from Delta or United.  In Arizona airports this November, 29% of scales used by airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines were tampered with, did not have signage for overweight luggage, and were not synchronized to zero, leading to travelers needlessly paying for overweight baggage.

So travelers, a 2011 blog from a discount airline traveler and a 2013 blog for business travelers convey the same message for upscale and economy airlines: don’t trust the scales, no matter the reputation the airline will try to rip you off.  So weigh your bag at home and do not be afraid to ask for a different airport scale.

Image: http://www.independenttraveler.com/blog/index.php/2011/01/20/how-accurate-are-airport-luggage-scales/