This airlines’ 'dodgy' baggage scales spark outrage: What every Australian traveller needs to know

Australian travellers beware: Jetstar passengers are crying foul over what they claim are 'dodgy' baggage scales that show different weights at different locations, potentially costing unsuspecting holidaymakers hefty excess baggage fees.

The controversy has erupted after multiple passengers at Wellington Airport reported their luggage mysteriously gaining kilos between check-in areas.

The budget airline faces mounting criticism from frustrated flyers who say they're being unfairly slugged with $65 excess baggage charges when their bags suddenly weigh more on Jetstar's scales than on others just metres away.

For seniors on fixed incomes planning their well-deserved holidays, these unexpected fees can blow the budget before the trip even begins.

The Scale Scandal Unfolds

The drama unfolded when Wellington passenger Kirsty Shaw discovered her luggage had somehow 'gained' weight between different scales at the airport. After weighing her bag at 21.5kg on a public scale, she was shocked when Jetstar's scale showed 23kg—pushing her over the limit and triggering excess baggage fees.

Shaw's experience isn't isolated. Fellow traveller Lindsay Berquist reported an even more dramatic discrepancy—his bag weighed 21kg on airport scales but jumped to 23.5kg on Jetstar's equipment. He claims staff told him the airport scales 'aren't calibrated,' leaving passengers with no choice but to pay up or leave items behind.

Jetstar's Response: Denial and Deflection

Despite the mounting complaints, Jetstar maintains there's nothing wrong with their scales. A spokesperson told media that their weighing equipment undergoes 'regular calibration' and suggested the issue might be with the airport's public scales instead.

However, this response has done little to quell passenger frustration. Many point out that when multiple different scales show consistent readings except for Jetstar's, the problem likely lies with the airline's equipment.

The Workaround Warriors

Savvy travellers have started sharing creative solutions to avoid the dreaded excess baggage fees. One passenger, Nicole Wells, discovered a loophole when her 25kg bag triggered the excess charge. By removing heavy items and carrying them by hand—including a 2kg blanket and other belongings—she brought her bag weight down to exactly 23kg.

This revelation exposes what many see as the arbitrary nature of baggage policies—it's not about aircraft weight limits but revenue generation.

Your Rights as an Australian Consumer

While this particular incident occurred in New Zealand, Australian travellers face similar issues daily. Under Australian Consumer Law, businesses must provide services with due care and skill. If you believe you've been unfairly charged due to faulty equipment, you have options:

Smart Strategies for Senior Travellers

For older Australians who may find airport confrontations stressful, preparation is your best defence against unexpected fees:

Pre-emptive measures to avoid scale surprises:

• Invest in a reliable digital luggage scale (around $15-20 from Kmart or Big W)
• Aim for 2kg under the limit to account for scale variations
• Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes when flying
• Put heavy items in jacket pockets during check-in
• Consider paying for extra baggage online (much cheaper than airport rates)
• Take a photo of your bag on a public scale before approaching check-in

The Bigger Picture: Budget Airline Tactics

This scale controversy is just one example of how budget airlines generate revenue through ancillary fees. Industry insiders suggest these 'extras' can account for up to 40 per cent of a low-cost carrier's income. For Jetstar and similar airlines, strict baggage enforcement is a crucial profit centre.

Scale Accuracy Standards in Australia

According to the National Measurement Institute, commercial scales used for trade (including airline baggage scales) must meet strict accuracy standards. They should be accurate within 0.1 per cent of the actual weight. For a 20kg bag, that's just 20 grams—nowhere near the 1.5-2.5kg discrepancies passengers are reporting.

Fighting Back: What Worked for Other Passengers

Through social media and travel forums, passengers have shared successful strategies for challenging questionable weight readings:[/p>

Success Story 1: A Melbourne couple successfully disputed excess charges by showing timestamped photos of their luggage on three different scales, all showing weights under the limit. Jetstar refunded their $130 in fees after they escalated to management.

Success Story 2: A Brisbane retiree avoided fees by politely asking to use a different scale at the check-in counter, claiming the first one 'seemed to be malfunctioning.' The supervisor agreed, and the second scale showed the correct weight.

The Psychology of Airport Stress

Airlines may be counting on passenger stress and time pressure to discourage challenges to excess baggage fees. When faced with the choice of missing a flight or paying an unexpected fee, most travellers reluctantly pay up. This is particularly true for older travellers who may feel less confident challenging authority or causing a scene.

What the Experts Say

Consumer advocate Christopher Zinn suggests the issue goes beyond just scale accuracy: 'This appears to be part of a broader pattern where budget airlines use every opportunity to extract additional revenue from passengers. The fact that different scales show different weights raises serious questions about calibration and fairness.'

Aviation analyst Geoffrey Thomas notes: 'Budget airlines operate on razor-thin margins on the ticket price itself. They're designed to make money on extras. Passengers need to understand this business model and plan accordingly.'

Practical Solutions for Your Next Flight

The Community Fights Back

Fed up passengers have started documenting scale discrepancies on social media, creating a digital paper trail of potential issues. Facebook groups like 'Don't Fly Jetstar' and various travel forums are filled with similar stories, suggesting this isn't an isolated problem.

Some travellers are even calling for regulatory intervention, arguing that if scales can vary by 2-3kg, they're not fit for commercial use. The ACCC has previously investigated airlines for various practices, and consumer groups suggest this could be the next frontier.