Scales for Airport

Are the luggage scales at the airport calibrated?

In the case of self-service use, the scales do not need to be calibrated. Professional luggage scales for airports are factory calibrated, meaning they were verified after production by the scale manufacturer. Regular checks of weighing function and accuracy can be carried out using test weights.
As soon as the weight is used to calculate freight charges or fees, the airport scale or luggage scale must be calibrated.

How do I weigh my luggage or suitcase at home?

If you don't have a suitcase scale, you can use your household body scale. We recommend this method: first weigh yourself alone, then step on the scale again while holding the suitcase. The difference between the two values is your luggage weight. Why not weigh the suitcase directly? Many household body scales are inaccurate for weights under 10 kg.

What kind of scales are used at the airport?

At the airport, suitcase scales, luggage scales, and cargo scales are used for both passengers and logistics. Cargo scales can be platform scales, large floor scales, or pallet scales. As air freight is paid by weight, cargo and air freight scales are used to determine the exact mass of shipments. These scales are essential in freight and cargo transfers within the airport logistics infrastructure. Once all luggage is weighed, it is transferred to the aircraft for transport. Cargo scales are part of every airport’s weighing system.

What is the difference between suitcase scales and luggage scales?

Typical suitcase scales are small "hanging scales" used by travelers. These are often low-cost and sold online. In contrast, a professional airport luggage scale is a platform scale used at check-in or repacking stations. These offer higher capacities (up to 150 kg) and better accuracy, critical for airport baggage handling and checked baggage weight compliance.

How accurate are airport scales?

Airport scales for passenger luggage are not subject to legal metrology unless used commercially. Most airport scales have a resolution of 10 to 50 grams with a weighing range up to 150 kg. While they share similarities with logistics scales, airport scales focus on simple operations like taring and displaying weight, whereas logistics scales are more integrated into systems like ERP or printers.

Cargo and Air Freight Scales from BOSCHE Weighing Technology

We offer a range of airport weighing solutions. Our customers include airlines, tour operators, airports, and logistic hubs within the aerospace industry.

Our Platform Scale Aero TP 150 offers robust construction with a 150 kg capacity and 50% overload protection. The display is firmly mounted and can be used directly at repacking stations in airports thanks to its intuitive operation.

The luggage scale can be calibrated by service staff via weighing software and data interfaces. Weight is displayed in kilograms, and resolution can be adjusted. For baggage use, 10–50 g resolution is typically sufficient. The Aero TP 150 luggage scale is ideal for repacking stations and airport baggage handling.

In logistics, we offer the Cargo Scale 3000, accessible from all sides by forklifts and pallet trucks. It also supports luggage transport and air freight weighing.

This versatile airport cargo scale supports key functions for efficient freight and cargo transfers:

• Battery operation available
• Forklift compatible
• Capacity up to 5 tons
• Data transfer via WLAN or RS485
• Robust, powder-coated steel frame

With this scale, air freight can be loaded and documented with precision. Multiple scale displays are available for customization.

Optionally, an industrial PC (I-PC) can be connected to export data to warehouse/logistics software. A barcode scanner with camera function can document damage or identify luggage pieces for further tracking.