Weight restrictions on check-in Baggage

There has been a lot of publicity in recent months over the accuracy of scales used at airport check-in desks. Each airline sets its own limit on luggage weight - and will impose charges if these limits are exceeded.

The Trading Standards Institute recently issued a press release following an investigation into the charges applied by airlines and tests carried out on the scales in use at airports.

Most passangers, very sensibly, check the weight of their luggage before leaving home to make sure that it is within the permitted allowance. Then, on arriving at the airport they may be surprised if the check-in scales show a different weight.

Our Advice to North Somerset Consumers:-

• Check your ticket, e-ticket or travel documentation to make certain what your luggage weight allowance is.

• Before leaving home, weigh your luggage to check that it is within the airlines prescribed allowance (remember- different airlines have different allowances!).

  Most people won't have access to accurate 'business' scales and will have to rely on bathroom scales. However, it must be remembered that bathroom scales are not designed or manufactured to be highly accurate. They only give an approximate reading and may not be any more accurate than +/- 2Kg (4.5lbs).

  

• When you get to the check-in desk make sure the scales are reading zero before you put your bag on.

  Then, if you believe that the scales are mis-reading the true weight of your luggage, ask for the case to be re-weighed on the scale at another check-in desk.

• If you still believe that the weighing is inaccurate then make a note of the check-in desk number, together with the scale readings and register your complaint with the airline staff at the time.

  Then, when you return from your holiday, write to the airline you travelled with stating what you believe your case/s weighed and what the check-in scales read.

For full details of the Trading Standards Institute report see their
Press Release.

North Somerset Council, Trading Standards Service, Somerset House, Oxford Street, Weston super Mare, Somerset, BS23 1TG
Telephone: 01275 884118    Fax: 01275 888683
Electronic Mail: trading.standards@n-somerset.gov.uk