Whether you’re traveling with a bathroom scale, kitchen scale, or luggage scale, you may be wondering if you can bring a scale on a plane.
Generally, you can bring a scale on a plane. Both the TSA and most international airlines permit scales (including handheld luggage scales and standard bathroom scales) in both carry-on and checked bags.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about taking all types of scales on planes, in both domestic and international flights.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR:
- You can bring a scale on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage.
- Small bathroom scales, kitchen scales, luggage scales, and digital hanging scales are all allowed through the security checkpoint without any issues.
- Small scales usually fit easily in your carry-on, while it is bets to place larger or heavy-duty scales in your checked bag.
- If your scale uses removable lithium batteries, keep the batteries in your carry-on bag.
- To avoid damage, pack scales carefully with padding or bubble wrap, especially in checked luggage.
| Scales | Allowed in carry-on | Allowed in Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom scale (Weighing Scale) | Yes | Yes |
| Digital hanging scale | Yes | Yes |
| Luggage scale | Yes | Yes |
| Kitchen scales | Yes | Yes |
| Heavy Duty Platform Scales | Will not fit as carry-on | Yes |
Can You Bring a Scale Through TSA?
Knowing whether an item is allowed on board an airplane or not is best answered by the clerks who search items at the security checkpoint: the TSA.
But it is impossible for the Transportation Security Administration to cover every item on their website.
So, they didn’t have any information about scales on their website, but I found some answers on their social media.
Ashley asked if she could bring a weight scale onto the plane.
The TSA replied that weight scales are good to go in carry-on bags.
The TSA didn’t mention it, but you will need to remove any personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your bag and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
Any type of scale with batteries is permitted in carry-on and checked bags.
Linnea was confused about whether this Soehnle kitchen scale would be allowed in checked baggage if the batteries were removed.
Maybe she didn’t have enough space in her carry-on bag, which is why she thought about taking the scale in checked baggage.
The TSA customer service replied that kitchen scales with batteries are good to go in both carry-on and checked bags.
Please note that the final decision on whether an item is permitted or not is up to the TSA agent inspecting your luggage at the security checkpoint. If the scale triggers the alarm, it may be subject to additional screening or even transferred to checked baggage.
Important
Can You Bring a Scale In Your Carry-on?
The TSA and most airlines do permit taking scales in carry-on bags.
But the only thing to keep in mind is your airline’s maximum weight and size limits.
If you are traveling with a small portable scale, you don’t need to worry about the size or weight. You can just toss it inside your bag and you are good to go.
On the other hand, if you want to travel with a large scale that won’t fit inside your bag, then ensure that you know your airline luggage rules.
A standard carry-on size is usually 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high on most US domestic flights.
And a personal item is anything that can fit under the seat in front of you (usually 17 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 9 inches high).
A typical scale size is 10 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 0.87 inches high, and it will fit inside both a carry-on and a personal item.
Can You Take a Digital Scale In Checked Luggage
You can take almost any type of scale in checked baggage.
If you are taking a scale with a removable lithium battery, remove the battery and place it in your carry-on bag.
It is only uninstalled lithium batteries that are prohibited in checked baggage.
If you send your scale in checked baggage, ensure that it is well protected and packed to avoid any damage.
Here are some tips to protect your scale in checked baggage:
- Use a solid cardboard box: Use a sturdy cardboard box to pack your scale. If you have the original packaging, it will be enough; otherwise, you can use any other type of cardboard box.
- Wrap the scale in bubble wrap: Before placing the scale in the box, wrap it in bubble wrap. This will add some extra protection.
- Label your scale: Label the box as fragile to ensure that it is handled with care, even if you secure it inside a bag (this is not necessary if you feel that the scale is already well protected and secured).
- Include your contact information: Attach your contact information to the scale in case the box or the bag is lost or damaged during transit.
How Many Scales Can You Take On a Plane?
There are no limits to the number of scales you can bring on a plane; however, there are airline size and weight limits.
So you should consider that.
If you want to bring several scales, it is best to contact your airline beforehand and ask them if there are any further instructions.
Final Thoughts On Flying With Scales
You can bring a scale on a plane in both domestic and international flights without any trouble, as long as it fits within your airline luggage size and weight limits.
Ensure that you neatly pack your scale and label it so it remains stable and protected throughout your travels.
And don’t forget to take any removable batteries with you on board the airplane.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Bringing Scales On A Plane
Can Digital Scales Go in Hand Luggage?
You can pack digital scales in your hand luggage without any issues. If the scale is large, the TSA folks may ask you to place it in a separate bin during the screening process, just like laptops and other electronics.
Can You Bring a Bathroom Scale on a Plane?
You can Bring bathroom scales on planes in both carry-on and checked bags. Smaller scales fit easily in luggage, but larger models usually travel better in checked bags.
Can You Bring a Food Scale on a Plane?
You can bring a food scale on a plane. Small kitchen and food scales fit easily inside your carry-on bag and usually pass through the security without any issues.
Can You Bring a Luggage Scale on a Plane?
Yes, luggage scales are completely ok to bring on planes. Most travelers pack them in carry-on bags so they can check suitcase weight before returning home.
Can You Bring a Scale on International Flights?
Most international airlines allow scales in both carry-on and checked bags. Just check your airline baggage size and battery rules before heading to the airport.
Do You Need To Remove a Digital Scale at TSA Security?
If your digital scale looks large on the X-ray machine, the TSA officers may ask you to remove it from your bag and place it in a separate bin.
Can You Bring Battery-Powered Scales on Planes?
Yes you can bring battery-powered scales on planes. If your scale uses removable lithium batteries, keep those batteries inside your carry-on bag or personal item.
Can a Scale Trigger Additional TSA Screening?
Yes, it can happen sometimes, especially with larger digital scales or scales packed with electronics. The TSA folks may inspect the item briefly, but scales are generally allowed through security.
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