Wave goodbye to excess baggage charges

Once the case is placed on top, the sensors in each of the corners send updates via Bluetooth to the traveller’s smartphone, allowing them to see instantly how close they are to their weight limit as they pack.

The smartphone app contains details of every major airline’s weight restrictions so the user simply types in which airline they are flying with. It even takes account of the weight of the device (450g) and the scale’s unique “coat hanger” design means it can also serve as a clothes hanger when you get to your destination. A proximity sensor, which sends a notification to your phone if you leave your case behind or move too far away from your luggage, is also incorporated.

Weigh-to-Fly is the brainchild of Jamie Cruickshank, Software Electronics Engineer, who commented: “One in five passengers are charged an average of £25 for excess baggage at the airport. In the UK alone, passengers forked out over £1.6bn in charges in a single year. Multiply this globally and it is a huge problem. Not only is it costing passengers dearly but it causes stress, hassle and inconvenience at the airport.”

He added: “There are other products on the market but these have disadvantages. For example there are cases with the weighing mechanism built in. These limit you to using a single case whereas Weigh-to-Fly can be used with any piece of luggage. Other luggage scales can let you down. They give inaccurate results, break easily or require you to lift heavy bags in order to read the weight. Not to mention the repetitive process of zipping up and weighing your bag every time you add or remove something.”

To fund the development the team is launching a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign which aims to raise £50,000. Some of the rewards include early bird deals and a chance to visit the design team to collect your product in person.