Queues at airport check-in desks often move slowly not because of documents or forms, but because of overweight suitcases. It is excess baggage weight that frequently causes delays for everyone waiting in line.
The author describes her own experience: during a family trip, with a total baggage allowance of 40 kg in business class, she mistakenly assumed that a single suitcase could weigh that much. At the check-in desk it turned out that this was against the rules: due to health and safety requirements on most commercial airlines, one piece of baggage cannot weigh more than 32 kg.
As a result, she had to step away from the desk, open the suitcases, move items around and redistribute the weight between several bags to comply with the rules. Although nothing had to be thrown away, the situation was awkward and took up time for both passengers and airport staff.
Former ticket desk agent at New York’s JFK Airport, Laura Avital, told Travel + Leisure that overweight suitcases are “the biggest source of delays at the check-in desk” both for the individual passenger and for everyone standing behind them.
To avoid such situations and unexpected baggage surcharges, experts advise keeping track of your suitcase weight in advance. The simplest way is to weigh your luggage at home before leaving for the airport and not start repacking while already in the queue.
If you do not have scales at home or you are travelling and do not have access to regular scales, a small portable luggage scale will come in handy. You attach it to the handle of your packed suitcase and lift it by hand to see the exact weight immediately.
Experts also recommend paying closer attention to what exactly you take with you. One of the most common mistakes is packing too many pairs of shoes, which significantly adds to the weight. Specialists suggest following the “three-pair rule”: take no more than three pairs of shoes, especially when the family is sharing joint baggage. This helps avoid a situation where bulky footwear takes up most of the suitcase and pushes you over the weight limit.
Following these simple tips — weighing your suitcase in advance, using portable scales and limiting the number of heavy items, particularly shoes — can save time at the check-in desk and help you avoid stress and extra costs while travelling.