Inaccurate baggage scales are costing passengers £70 in access baggage fees according to West Sussex Trading Standards.

After examining 600 baggage scales at Gatwick Airport, more than 20% were discovered to be faulty and supplying incorrect baggage weight results. In many instances, luggage scales were displaying 5 kilograms prior to baggage being placed onto the scales.

Bruce Treloar, Principal Trading Standards Officer, said "we advise people to try and weigh the baggage at home. Bathroom scales may not be perfectly accurate but they will give an idea.”

“At the check-in desk, check the scales are on zero. If they already show a weight ask the check-in staff to put them on zero.”

“This is quite simple. It just means pushing a button. If the indications don’t change when the button is pushed it may mean a fault with the scales – and we in Trading Standards want you to tell us about it.”

Airline Baggage Allowance :

• Ryanair 15kgs
• Flybe 20 kg
• Easyjet 20 kg
• Monarch 32kg
• British Airways 23kg

Airline Baggage Excess Charges :

• Ryanair £7.50 per kg
• Flybe £6 per kg
• Easyjet £6 per kg

Labels: airport, baggage, luggage