Calibrated Scales for excess baggage charges?

Laughingbear

We travelled to Norway (Torp) from Liverpool with Ryanair. We were aware that baggage charges could be applied so weighed our cases before we set of. We knew we were a couple of kg over and would be charged. However, when we had our cases weighed at the check in desk, all the cases were over our estimates and by much more than we'd anticipated. Fortunetly, we were next to an empty check-in desk so i moved the cases to those scale. Guess what. The weight of the cases was different. The Ryaniar rep suggested that the 2nd scales could be faulty. I suggested that the 1st set could be so i re-weighed the cases on a 3rd set of scales. They provided ANOTHER set of weights. The 3 sets of scales provided 3 different weights for each case. The rep 'sheepishly' waved us through check-in without us having to pay any excess baggage fee.

My point is that if Ryanair are to charge passengers fees for excess baggage based on the weights given by the scales at the check-in desks, those scales, according to the weights and measures act, should be re-calibrated on a REGULAR basis. Ryanair WON'T LIKE THIS. It would cost THEM money. They generally don't use their own nominated check-in desk and typically, any other airline could of been using that desk for their own flights prior to Ryanair. The calibration of the scales can't be guaranteed since other airlines only use scales to check the overall weights of luggage going on the plane so they can check the overall weight of luggage going into the hold of the plane. The only avenue Ryanair could choose is to have their own nominated check-in desk, that other airlines wouldn't be allowed to use. This would cost them lots of money and cause THEM a few headaches for a change.

woodencupboard

Perhaps worth kicking up a fuss over if any of us are in that situation at a later date! Play the game carefully, don't want to **** off to many of the airline staff!

GlennTheBaker

The check-in desks belong to the airport and are rented by the airline or their handling agent so the airport should ensure they are correctly calibrated.

Bob_the_Saver

GlennTheBaker wrote: »

The check-in desks belong to the airport and are rented by the airline or their handling agent so the airport should ensure they are correctly calibrated.

AND if in the UK report to trading standards ASAP, say Bob the Saver sent you!

KILL_BILL

its a well know fact that the scales dont work properly thats how the airlines gets there extra money

they dont expect most people to weigh their luggage before they leave the house. i brought a handy hook scale for £2 which i always use before flying and ensure that i pack just under the permitted allowance

then i know when i get to the the desk as to wether they are going to try and rip me off !