I bought a luggage scale after being stung twice by excess baggage fees – once at Gatwick when my bag weighed 24kg instead of the allowed 23kg, and once at Faro when Portuguese airport staff were particularly strict about the limit. The PJP scale cost about £8 and has saved me at least £100 in avoided fees since then. The auto-lock feature is genuinely useful – you lift the bag, wait for the beep, and the reading stays on the display while you lower the bag. It is small enough to live permanently in my suitcase and light enough (90g) that it barely adds to the weight. A simple product that does exactly what it should.
The PJP Electronics Travel Luggage Scale helps avoid excess baggage fees by letting you weigh your luggage before reaching the airport. The auto-lock feature holds the reading once stable, so you don’t have to hold the bag steady while reading the display.
Specifications
- Capacity: 50kg / 110lb
- Display: Backlit LCD
- Features: Auto-lock readings, temperature display
- Power: CR2032 battery (included)
- Weight: 90g
How to Use
- Turn on the scale
- Attach the strap to your luggage handle
- Lift the luggage off the ground
- Wait for the reading to lock
- Read the weight on the display
Pros
- Auto-lock holds the reading
- Backlit display for visibility
- Temperature reading included
- Compact and portable
- Battery included
Cons
- Small display
- Basic design
Accuracy
The PJP scale reads within 0.1kg in my testing — I weighed the same bag three times in a row and got consistent readings. Airport scales can vary by 0.2-0.5kg depending on calibration, so if your bag is close to the limit, aim for at least 0.5kg under to give yourself a margin.
The auto-lock feature is worth highlighting because cheaper scales require you to hold the bag perfectly still while reading the display. With the PJP, you lift, wait for the beep, and can lower the bag before checking the number. This makes a real difference when you are weighing a 20kg+ suitcase with one hand.
PJP vs Other Luggage Scales
| Feature | PJP Electronics | Samsonite | Budget (generic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 50kg | 40kg | 50kg |
| Display | Backlit LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Auto-lock | Yes | Yes | No |
| Temperature | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | 90g | 120g | 85g |
| Price | ~£8 | ~£15 | ~£5 |
The PJP hits a good middle ground — auto-lock and backlit display at a budget price. The temperature reading is a bonus feature that you will rarely use, but it is there.
Tips
- Keep the scale clean and dry
- Replace battery when readings become inconsistent
- Weigh bags before packing rather than at the last minute
- Remember: most airlines allow 23kg for checked bags
- Weigh your bag on outbound and return trips — souvenirs add up quickly
