Luggage Scale
Excess baggage fees are one of the most avoidable travel costs there is. Qantas charges $15–25 per kilogram over the limit at the airport; Jetstar charges up to $30 per kilogram. A luggage scale costs less than $20 and pays for itself the first time it saves you from an overweight bag. It's one of those purchases that's hard to justify until you've paid an excess baggage fee once.
Travel Gear is an authorised Australian stockist for Korjo, stocking digital luggage scales compact enough to pack in your carry-on, accurate to within 100g, and rated to handle bags up to 50kg. All orders ship from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.
How to Use a Luggage Scale
Hook the scale to your bag's handle or strap, lift the bag off the ground, and hold it steady for 2–3 seconds until the reading locks. Most digital scales have a hold function that keeps the reading on screen after you put the bag down — useful when you can't read the display while holding a heavy bag. Weigh your bag before you leave for the airport, not at check-in.
What to Look for in a Luggage Scale
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Accuracy: Look for scales accurate to within 100g. Cheaper scales can be off by 500g or more, which defeats the purpose
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Maximum capacity: Most luggage scales handle up to 50kg, which covers all standard checked baggage
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Display: A backlit display is useful in dim conditions. Large digits are easier to read while holding a heavy bag
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Hold function: Locks the reading on screen after you put the bag down — essential for solo travellers who can't read the scale while holding the bag
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Unit switching: Ability to switch between kg and lb is useful for international travel where baggage limits may be listed in either unit
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Size and weight: A good luggage scale weighs under 100g and fits in a jacket pocket
Australian Airline Baggage Weight Limits (2026)
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Qantas Economy: 23kg per checked bag; 7kg carry-on
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Virgin Australia Economy: 23kg per checked bag; 7kg carry-on
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Jetstar: 20kg or 30kg checked (fare dependent); 7kg carry-on
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Rex: 23kg checked; 7kg carry-on
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Emirates Economy: 23kg checked; 7kg carry-on
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Singapore Airlines Economy: 25kg checked; 7kg carry-on
Always confirm your specific fare conditions — allowances vary by fare class and route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are digital luggage scales?
Quality digital luggage scales are accurate to within 100g. Cheaper scales can be significantly less accurate. If you're close to the weight limit, weigh your bag twice and average the readings. If you're within 500g of the limit, consider removing an item to give yourself a buffer.
Can I take a luggage scale in carry-on luggage?
Yes — luggage scales are carry-on safe with no restrictions. They're small enough to fit in a jacket pocket and weigh under 100g, so they add almost nothing to your carry-on weight.
What happens if my bag is overweight at check-in?
You'll be charged an excess baggage fee, which varies by airline and route. Qantas charges $15–25 per kilogram over the limit; Jetstar charges up to $30 per kilogram. On international routes, fees can be significantly higher. It's always cheaper to redistribute weight into a carry-on or remove items before check-in than to pay at the counter. For other travel organisation essentials, see our packing cubes collection.
