Every traveler should get this $9 luggage scale before their next international flight

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Etekcity

• International overweight bag fees range from $50 to $200 depending on airline carriers and how much your bag is over the predetermined limit.
• This $9 digital luggage scale can save you hours of frustration and hundreds of dollars even if you don't consider yourself an overpacker.
• It can weigh bags and suitcases up to 100 pounds. It also weighs less than five ounces itself, so it won't add much to your overall bag weight.

There's no bigger rush than finding an international flight deal. There's also no bigger buzzkill than finding out that there are unreasonably low bag weights.

So, before I went on a two-week, three-city vacation to Australia, I bought this $9 digital luggage scale from Etekcity. It saved me from having to pay $80 in overweight baggage fees on that trip alone.

After booking my tickets to Australia, when I read that passengers could only bring one carry-on and one personal item that totaled to 15 pounds and check-in bags couldn't be more than 40 pounds, I knew I was going to have a hard time packing. Even though I was traveling for two weeks, you can bet that I was packing three weeks' worth of clothes, accessories, shoes, and makeup. Not to mention I had to save space for all the souvenirs I'd bring home.

The digital scale proved to be a lifesaver. I was able to weigh my bags throughout my packing process so I packed more thoughtfully (I guess I didn't need five pairs of jeans after all) and avoided paying overweight baggage fees on all the legs of my trip.

Etekcity

The scale is super small and weighs under five ounces so it'll barely register in your suitcase, and using it is fool-proof.

Once you've packed your bag or suitcase, loop the scale around any handle. Then lift the scale up for a few seconds, and the digital display will show how much your bag weighs. From there, you can repack as needed in the comfort of your own home - not at the airport in front of 12 annoyed passengers and future seatmates. Even if you aren't an overpacker like me, you'll have total peace of mind just in case check-in agents try to scam you and say your bag is over the weight limit.

Since I bought this scale, I've used it on trips to Iceland, Hong Kong, Turks and Caicos, Greece, and more, and have never had an issue with overweight baggage. In fact, it's helped me discover that I had more room in my suitcase for shoes.

Buy the Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale from Amazon for $9

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