Accuracy of baggage weight

Status
Not open for further replies.

jad01

Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2006
Posts
111
Following my recent departure on a number of hops to reach my final destination I noticed a discrepancy of baggage weight across 3 different carriers.

When I left home my bag was packed and locked and remained unopened until I reached my final destination.
Before leaving home I weighed my bag on 2 different devices with an estimated weight of 19.2 kg

First flight, domestic sector from Brisbane with Virgin Blue = 22.8kg
Second sector with Qantas departing Melbourne = 19.9kg
Third sector with Delta out of Los Angeles = 19.3kg

I expected there to be some variation perhaps up to half a kilo but I was amazed that there was a difference as big as 3.5kg which in my view isn't a minor margin given what airlines charge for excess baggage.
Weighing equipment requires calibration but Im wondering now how often, if at all does this occur?

Has anyone else had any weight discrepancies like this?

JASON
 
It depends somewhat on who owns the scales as to who calibrates them and when.

DRW Airport for example is a common user terminal where the individual airlines lease space from Darwin Airport Authority as opposed to airlines leasing entire terminals down south.

DIA calibrate the scales on the checkin counters once a month. There is a note somewhere under the glass counter top at each individual checkin counter as to when it was last done.

I'm guessing (ie not 100% sure) that when the airlines lease the entire terminal they are responsible for the ongoing maintencance of the equipment therein.
 
Following my recent departure on a number of hops to reach my final destination I noticed a discrepancy of baggage weight across 3 different carriers.

When I left home my bag was packed and locked and remained unopened until I reached my final destination.
Before leaving home I weighed my bag on 2 different devices with an estimated weight of 19.2 kg

First flight, domestic sector from Brisbane with Virgin Blue = 22.8kg
Second sector with Qantas departing Melbourne = 19.9kg
Third sector with Delta out of Los Angeles = 19.3kg

I expected there to be some variation perhaps up to half a kilo but I was amazed that there was a difference as big as 3.5kg which in my view isn't a minor margin given what airlines charge for excess baggage.
Weighing equipment requires calibration but Im wondering now how often, if at all does this occur?

Has anyone else had any weight discrepancies like this?

JASON
I agree that this is a problem but what can we do :?:

I recently flew AKL-SYD-MEL and then caught the V-line train home. Out of AKL my bag weighed 19.something Kg but when I checked it in at V-line it was just over 22 Kg and they would not accept it until I took something out :!:

As I said, what can one do :?:
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

I would expect that the accuracy of scales used to levy an excess baggage fee would be subject to checking by the department of consumer affairs or similar in most jurisdictions.

(A quick search turned up http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/assets/files/weight.pdf for South Australia.)

Edited to add: It looks like all trade measurement in Australia is now handled by the National Measurement Institute. http://www.measurement.gov.au/TradeMeasurement/Pages/default.aspx has details of how to lodge an enquiry or complaint.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Enhance your AFF viewing experience!!

From just $6 we'll remove all advertisements so that you can enjoy a cleaner and uninterupted viewing experience.

And you'll be supporting us so that we can continue to provide this valuable resource :)


Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..
Back
Top