Eat Smart Luggage Scales review: beat airline baggage fees
Meet the Eat Smart digital luggage scale, built for U.S. travelers who want to avoid surprise baggage fees. It measures up to 110 lb (50 kg) with dependable accuracy and an easy-read LCD.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Avoid airline fees with precise weights up to 110 lb (50 kg).
- Get consistent results within 0.1 lb (0.1 kg) increments on the LCD.
- Weigh bags effortlessly using loop strap, heavy-duty buckle, and ergonomic handle.
- Start using immediately with the included lithium battery.
- Pack light by stowing the lightweight scale in your carry-on.
- Rely on long-term durability backed by a 2-year limited warranty.
Original price was: $18.88.$17.81Current price is: $17.81.
Description
Quick Take
If you’ve ever played luggage roulette at the airline counter, this compact digital luggage scale from Eat Smart is designed to put you back in control. It’s a handheld scale with an easy-loop nylon strap and a clear LCD, built to help you weigh suitcases accurately at home or on the go.
It’s made for travelers who want to avoid overweight-bag fees and the stress of last‑minute repacking. Whether you fly occasionally or often, the simplicity here—turn it on, loop the strap, lift, and read—removes the guesswork.
Quick verdict: A no-nonsense, travel-friendly scale that emphasizes accuracy and ease of use, with up to 110 lb (50 kg) capacity and fine 0.1 lb (0.1 kg) increments according to the listing.
What’s in the Box
- Handheld luggage scale with integrated LCD display
- Nylon strap with heavy-duty buckle
- 1 lithium battery (included)
- User guide: Not specified
- Carry pouch: Not specified
Design & Build
The Eat Smart scale keeps the design focused on real travel needs. The body is compact and light enough to bring along without taking precious baggage space—ideal if you plan to shop or bring souvenirs and want to re-check weight before your return flight. Exact dimensions and weight are not listed, but the overall footprint is clearly intended for one-hand use.
A nylon strap with a heavy-duty buckle anchors your bag securely as you lift. This style tends to be more forgiving than rigid hooks, especially with soft-sided suitcases or bags that have thick, padded handles. The strap loops quickly through or around your luggage handle and clips shut, so you don’t have to fight with alignment.
A straightforward LCD readout displays the weight. While the listing does not mention backlighting or extra display modes, the emphasis on clarity and consistency suggests the essential information is front and center. The controls are kept simple, minimizing the time between turning the scale on and getting a reliable reading.
The overall ergonomics support a natural lifting motion. You hold the scale’s handle, lift until the bag is off the ground and stable, and glance at the reading. There’s no complicated balance to manage—just a steady lift and a clear result. If you plan to weigh bags repeatedly in a short time (for example, moving items between suitcases to hit the sweet spot under a limit), the durability of the strap and buckle helps ensure the process stays smooth.
Key Features
Consistent Accuracy
The standout promise here is consistency. The listing states that Eat Smart emphasizes precision and accuracy, which is vital when airline rules leave little room for error. If you’re targeting a 50 lb limit, an imprecise scale can be the difference between breezing through check-in and paying a surprise fee.
How it helps:
- Packing confidence: You can pack to your preferred weight threshold without second-guessing.
- Fine-tuning: When you need to move items from one bag to another, accurate readings let you dial in your target quickly.
- Repeatability: Consistent results across multiple checks reduce the temptation to “average” a few readings and hope for the best.
Tip: Weigh your bag twice—once mid-pack and once right before you leave. A precise device lets you confirm that any last-minute additions (chargers, jackets, gifts) haven’t tipped you over.
Easy to Use
The operation is simple: turn on the scale, loop the strap around your luggage handle, and lift. The reading appears on the LCD display. That’s it.
What this means in practice:
- Less fiddling: No elaborate menus or configurations to navigate.
- Faster weighing: Ideal if you’re sharing the scale with a travel companion or moving through several bags at once.
- Clear readout: You won’t be squinting at busy or cluttered screens.
Real-life scenario: You’ve just repacked to squeeze in a few souvenirs. Loop, lift, read—then either remove an item or zip up and go. The whole process takes seconds, not minutes.
Attractive, Travel-Ready Design
The listing highlights a versatile, comfortable design. The nylon strap and heavy-duty buckle are chosen for strength and durability across different luggage types and handle designs, while remaining lightweight enough to bring along.
Where it helps:
- Varied luggage: Works with hardshell carry-ons, duffels, and large checked bags.
- Travel flexibility: Because it’s lightweight, you can toss it in your bag and re-check weight before your return flight (often when souvenirs magically appear).
- Everyday utility: Keep it in your closet to weigh gym bags or parcels between trips.
High Capacity with Fine Increments
According to the manufacturer/listing, the scale weighs up to 110 lb (50 kg) in 0.1 lb (0.1 kg) increments. This blend of high capacity and fine resolution covers everything from light carry-ons to fully loaded checked bags.
Why it matters:
- Covers typical airline limits: Many airlines set checked bag limits at 50 lb (23 kg). You have headroom to measure heavier items, including gear for road trips or long stays.
- Granularity: 0.1 lb increments are precise enough to help you trim exactly what you need—remove a book, swap shoes, or shift a jacket to a second bag.
- Confidence at the counter: When a scale tells you 49.8 lb, you can proceed knowing you’re within most standard limits.
Battery Included
The scale includes one lithium battery, so it’s ready to go out of the box. Type and replacement specifics aren’t listed, but most handheld scales use a common coin cell battery.
Benefits:
- Immediate use: No last-minute battery run before your early flight.
- Predictable upkeep: Keep a spare coin cell in your travel pouch and you’re set for future trips.
Pro tip: If you travel often, replace the battery at the start of peak travel season. It’s a small cost that prevents scramble and uncertainty.
Two-Year Limited Warranty
A 2-year limited warranty is notable in this category. It signals a manufacturer’s confidence in durability and offers peace of mind for frequent travelers.
Where it helps:
- Frequent flyers: You’ll likely stress the strap and buckle repeatedly. Warranty support adds reassurance.
- Occasional travelers: Even with less frequent use, a longer coverage window protects your purchase over multiple trips.
Note: Specific warranty terms and conditions are not listed; check the official policy for coverage details and process.
Performance & Everyday Use
Setup in Seconds
- Insert battery if needed (one lithium battery is included).
- Press the power button to turn the scale on.
- Loop the nylon strap through or around your luggage handle and secure the buckle.
- Lift steadily using the scale’s handle until the bag is fully off the ground and stable.
- Read the weight on the LCD. If you’re adjusting contents, repeat as needed.
There’s no calibration procedure mentioned in the listing. If you prefer to sanity-check readings, you can compare the scale’s result against a known weight (like a dumbbell or a package with a verified shipping label) to confirm consistency.
Tips for Accurate Weighing
- Lift smoothly: A steady lift reduces fluctuations in the readout.
- Keep the bag clear: Ensure your luggage isn’t brushing against furniture, walls, or your legs, which can skew results.
- Center the load: Loop the strap so the bag hangs naturally from the handle, minimizing tilt.
- Weigh twice: A quick second check helps confirm the reading, especially if you’re close to a limit.
- Distribute weight: If you’re slightly over, move dense items (shoes, chargers, toiletries) to your carry-on.
Practical Travel Scenarios
- Airline check-in: The classic use case—confirm weight before leaving home so you’re not re-packing at the counter.
- Multi-leg trips and cruises: Re-check weight mid-trip when your bag’s content changes daily.
- Family travel: Share the scale to balance multiple suitcases, ensuring none are overweight.
- Road trips: Check heavy gear or coolers if your vehicle has a payload limit in mind.
- Parcel weighing: While not a dedicated shipping scale, it can give a quick reading for personal parcels when you need an estimate.
Maintenance & Care
- Strap and buckle: Inspect occasionally for wear, especially if you frequently weigh heavy bags close to the 110 lb (50 kg) limit.
- Battery: With one lithium battery included, watch for dim or fading display as a sign it may need replacement. Battery type is not specified—check the compartment before buying a spare.
- Storage: Keep the scale in a dry place. If you travel with it, store it in an interior pocket to avoid scratches or accidental activation.
- Cleaning: Wipe the strap and body with a soft cloth. Avoid submerging or using harsh cleaners.
Troubleshooting
- Inconsistent readings: Re-loop the strap to ensure the bag hangs freely. Lift more steadily and verify nothing touches the ground.
- Display too faint: Replace the battery. The listing states a lithium battery is included; depleted power often causes dim displays.
- Heavy bags feel unwieldy: Weigh on a low step or platform so you don’t need to lift as high. Always lift within your comfort and safety limits.
Safety Note
Because you’re lifting weight with one hand, use proper form. If a bag approaches the upper capacity limit, consider bracing your stance or asking for help. Never lift beyond what feels safe for you.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent, accuracy-focused design according to the listing | Advanced features (hold, tare, unit conversion, backlight) are not listed |
| Up to 110 lb (50 kg) capacity with 0.1 lb (0.1 kg) increments per the manufacturer/listing | Exact dimensions and device weight not listed |
| Simple operation: turn on, loop strap, lift, read | Screen backlight status not specified, may affect low-light use |
| Durable nylon strap and heavy-duty buckle suited for varied luggage handles | Requires lifting the full bag weight; not ideal for those with lifting limitations |
| Battery included (one lithium) for immediate use | Replacement battery type not listed |
| 2-year limited warranty for added peace of mind | Color/finish options and extra accessories not listed |
Who Should Buy It
- Travelers who want precise, consistent readings to avoid overweight fees.
- Frequent flyers who value a durable strap-and-buckle system that handles repeated use.
- Families or groups juggling multiple bags and needing a quick, reliable way to balance weight.
- Anyone who wants a dependable, straightforward digital luggage scale without extra frills.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
- Travelers who need specific advanced features (such as a hold function, tare, unit conversion, or a backlit display). These features are not listed here; if they’re essential to you, consider a model that clearly advertises them.
- Anyone who finds lifting heavy bags difficult. A floor platform scale may be more comfortable if you regularly weigh near the 110 lb (50 kg) limit.
- Shoppers who require detailed technical specs (device weight, dimensions, backlight details). If those are must-know items, look for a listing that provides them.
Specs
Only verified information from the listing is included below. If a detail is not in the inputs, it is marked Not listed.
- Brand: Eat Smart
- Scale type: Handheld digital luggage scale
- Display: LCD display
- Capacity: Up to 110 lb (50 kg) according to the manufacturer/listing
- Increments/Resolution: 0.1 lb (0.1 kg) according to the manufacturer/listing
- Strap: Nylon strap with heavy-duty buckle
- Power: 1 lithium battery (included; battery type not listed)
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
- Units supported: Not listed
- Hold/Tare functions: Not listed
- Backlight: Not listed
- Auto-off: Not listed
- Device weight: Not listed
- Dimensions: Not listed
- Color/finish: Not listed
Why This Scale Stands Out
The value here is in the fundamentals executed well. The manufacturer emphasizes accuracy and consistency—exactly what matters for air travel—while keeping the user experience straightforward. You get enough capacity to cover typical airline limits with room to spare, and fine increments that let you fine-tune your packing without resorting to guesswork.
The nylon strap and heavy-duty buckle are practical choices for a wide range of bags and handles. Add the included battery and a 2-year limited warranty, and you have a tool designed to be travel-ready on day one and dependable over time.
Buying Advice
- Verify your airline’s baggage policies: While many standard checked-bag limits sit at 50 lb (23 kg), some airlines or fare classes vary.
- Weigh at home and again before you return: If you pack the scale with you, it can save headaches on the way back—especially if your bag grew during the trip.
- Keep a small margin: Even with a precise scale, aim for a comfortable buffer (for example, 49.0 lb instead of 50.0 lb) to account for differences between your scale and the airline’s equipment.
- Consider your needs: If you require hold/tare, unit switching, or a backlit display, confirm those features before purchase—they’re not listed here.
Final Thoughts and CTA
If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use digital luggage scale that focuses on the essentials—accuracy, capacity, and durability—this Eat Smart model is a strong fit. It strips away distractions and delivers consistent results you can pack around.
Ready to skip the guesswork on your next trip? Compare current offers, check the warranty details, and choose the option that fits your budget and travel habits.
S. Aguirre –
I bought my first eatsmart voyager digital scale in July 2012. I’ve purchased three more since then – one for my parents, one for my wife who currently lives outside the US and one as a replacement after my mom gave hers to my uncle.
Why the repeat purchases? (No, not because they keep breaking.)
PROS:
1. It works.
It turns on without delay.
It is accurate as far as I can tell. My conclusion is based on the comparisons I have made between the weight as displayed on the Voyager scale and the weight as shown at the various airline ticket counter scales.
The toggling between kilograms and pounds has never failed.
It is easy to use.
2. It is reliable.
None of the units I have purchased have failed in any way.
It does not “eat” the batteries. I have yet to replace the battery for the unit I purchased in July 2012.
3. It is light weight, easy to pack (no sharp edges) and relatively sturdy. None of the units have physically broken when packed – I mean the units are not cheaply made as to break easily.
And for Pete’s sake I just want something that works and works well when I’m on a trip. Traveling is just such a hassle and it’s nice to know that at least ONE thing won’t go totally haywire.
CONS:
It won’t guarantee that your baggage will arrive with you.
You might start thinking that other products should work as well as the voyager.
It won’t bring world peace.
Other than these small “CONS” it’s a great product.
Elfa –
This handheld scale feels solid and well-built with an attractive design. It includes a secure strap and buckle that handle sizable luggage. Comfortable to grip, simple to use, and the readout is easy to see.
Duke Jackson –
With US domestic airlines charging about $25 per checked bag plus steep overweight penalties, traveling without a reliable luggage scale is asking for trouble. I bought this one for around $20 as inexpensive insurance against overages—and it delivered.
Before a trip with my family of five, we wanted a small luggage footprint without exceeding weight limits. We chose 26″ hard-shell cases to prevent overpacking, filled two plus a garment bag, and used this scale to distribute weight evenly. Its readings matched United’s check-in scales exactly.
The scale is lightweight, ultra-portable, fast to read, and the display is clear. We brought it on our trip to verify weights for the return flight and stayed within the guidelines both ways. It eliminates the “are my bags overweight?” guessing game at the counter.
Even if you travel only once, it can pay for itself. Why risk a $25 fee for being just 1 lb over when a scale costs less and helps you avoid overweight charges altogether? Bonus: it encouraged my wife to pack more efficiently—we took only what we truly needed.
Overall, a great purchase: simple to use, well made, and built to last. It’s saved us from overweight fees and even helped us travel with fewer bags.
Update 2018-09-06Eight years later, this little scale has thousands of miles on it and still works like a charm. I’ve replaced the batteries twice and haven’t paid an overweight fee since buying it. On a recent trip, our bag weighed 49 lb at home; United’s scale also read 49 lb. The agent even praised how precisely we’d maxed the allowance as she put the HEAVY tag on the handle.
If you want a reliable, lightweight travel scale, this is still my top pick—happy and satisfied after all these years and miles. And it’s now $14.95. What a deal! If this review helped, please click Helpful. Thank you!
S. Aguirre –
I bought my first EatSmart Voyager digital luggage scale in July 2012 and have since purchased three more—one for my parents, one for my wife who lives outside the U.S., and one to replace the unit my mom gave to my uncle. Why the repeat buys? Not because they break.
Pros:
When travel is already a hassle, it’s nice to have one thing you can count on.
Cons:
Bottom line: aside from those “cons,” it’s a great product.
Rohan –
excelente compra
Diana Alzina –
Tengo una báscula para mis maletas que funciona muy bien cuando peso mis maletas del extranjero a México, pero de México al extranjero,(para variar) la báscula siempre es inexacta, por lo que tengo que dejar las maletas hasta con 2 kilos menos para que pasen al pesarlas en las aerolíneas. Vi que esta báscula era la más exacta y parecida a las básculas de las aerolíneas, fácil de usar y decidí comprarla. La báscula es muy exacta, pero el “bip” que debe sonar cuando ya está listo el peso, no se oye y es demasiado grande para guardarse en cualquier lado; aparte de que sólo tiene uno 20 segundos para ver el peso en la pantalla, si 2 personas quieren ver el peso, ¡olvídenlo!
Elfa –
The best I have used so far. Great for travel suitcase weight. Carries 32 kgs very sturdy. Good build material.
Kindle Customer –
Love this gadget! It’s really handy for travel and works well. I can’t vouch for its accuracy, although it seemed to be pretty accurate. I weighed my suitcase at home at 24.3 kg and the airline weighed my suitcase at 24.3 kg at the airport. Not bad. Admittedly, I cut it a bit close. To be safe, I’d try to keep the weight about 1 kg (2.2 pounds) under the limit when weighing with this digital luggage scale. I like the fact that you can use one or two hands to lift the luggage. With the heavier luggage, though, the scale took a while to finish its reading and I had a hard time holding the handle plus luggage still while lifting them off the ground before the scale beeped at its final reading. For lighter items, it was no problem. I like the fact that it’s small enough to carry along so I have a scale to use for weighing my luggage for the return trip (some presents from home were given to my hosts; other presents bought on the trip will be brought home). It’s easy to read, too, and I also like being able to switch readings from pounds to kilograms and vice versa. I’m very happy I bought this scale.
Claudia ZGR –
Accurate and great
Elfa –
The best I’ve used so far—perfect for weighing travel suitcases. Handles 32 kg with ease, feels very sturdy, and has solid build quality.
Kindle Customer –
Rewrited review:I love this gadget! It’s super handy for travel and works well. I can’t guarantee perfect accuracy, but it seemed spot-on: my suitcase weighed 24.3 kg at home, and the airline’s scale read 24.3 kg at the airport. Not bad. To be safe, I’d keep about 1 kg (2.2 lb) under the limit when using this digital luggage scale.
I appreciate that you can lift with one or two hands. With heavier bags, the scale takes a moment to lock in, and holding the handle and luggage perfectly still until the final beep can be tough. For lighter items, it’s no problem.
It’s compact enough to bring along, so I can weigh my luggage for the return trip (some gifts go out, new souvenirs come back). The display is easy to read, and switching between pounds and kilograms is simple. I’m very happy I bought this scale.
Rohan –
Great buy.
Claudia ZGR –
Precise and excellent.
Duke Jackson –
Now that the airlines (US Domestic) charge $25 per bag plus overweight fees, travelling without a high quality and easy to use scale is well, kinda dumb.
The cost of an overweight be can be $25. That’s right, 1# over and it’ll cost you $25 for the 1#.
So I bought this scale for around $20 as an insurance policy that I’d never go over in bag weight. And it worked.
Prior to our trip, I was packing for my family of 5 and I wanted to have the smallest footprint for luggage and not be overweight in each bag. We bought new hard clam-shell type luggage (max recommended size is 26″ so you can’t over pack it). We filled two clam shells and one garment bag and used our scale to distribute weight evenly between all bags.
We were highly successful using this scale and its readings were spot on with UAL’s scales upon check-in.
This scale is light weight, super portable and easy to use. It’s fast, efficient and measures bag weight quickly and it’s easy to read on the unit’s display.
On our trip, we took this scale with us to ensure on our return flights we were within weight guidelines. And we were.
This scale makes travelling easy and removes all the “are my bags overweight” mystery game at check in a non-issue.
If you’re only going to travel once, buy it. My thoughts were why ever pay an overweight bag fee when you can own this scale for $5 less and NEVER travel with an overweight bag.
And on a side note, it made my wife pack more efficiently that she’s ever packed. You only take what you truly need when you know the cost of extra bags and overweight fees are just not worth the hassle.
Truly this is one great purchase and I plan to use it for years to come. Super easy to use, well made, quality product and highly portable. And you’ll save on never having to pay an overweight fee and you’ll probably travel with fewer bags because of it.
****Update 20180906****
Eight years later and this little scale has thousands of miles on her and still works like a charm. Probably replaced batteries twice now and haven’t paid an overweight bag fee since buying this.
On a recent trip one of our bags was 49 pounds when weighed at home. Checked in the bag and the United scale read 49 pounds too. When the bag agent saw the reading she admired our ability to max the bag’s weight as she placed the HEAVY tag on the bah’s handle.
If you’re looking for a reliable and light-weight travel scale, this one is still my top pick. Happy and satisfied all these years and many miles logged later.
Please CLICK HELPFUL if my review is of value to you. Thank you!
And I see this scale is now $14.95. What a deal!!!!
Elfa –
This handheld scale looks firm and sturdy with nice design. Comes with secure strap and buckle to hold a sizeable luggage. Ease of grip, easy to use and easy to read the scale.
Diana Alzina –
I have a luggage scale that works great when I weigh my bags on trips from abroad to Mexico, but from Mexico to abroad—go figure—it’s always inaccurate, so I have to leave my suitcases up to 2 kilos under to pass airline checks. I saw this model was supposed to be the most accurate and similar to airline scales, easy to use, so I bought it. It is very precise, but the beep that should sound when the weight locks is inaudible, it’s too bulky to store anywhere, and the display only shows the weight for about 20 seconds—if two people want to see it, forget it.
Wanderer –
It’s as accurate as my digital bathroom scale. I tested items from 5 to 50 pounds, and both scales matched within a few tenths (the bathroom scale only reads to the nearest 0.5 lb). I also bought a new carry-on roller bag advertised at 7.6 pounds, and this scale read exactly that. Turning it on, zeroing, and reading are quick and easy. I’m very happy with it.
My only gripe is the buckle strap used to hang items. A simple hook would be better. I don’t need to semi-permanently attach it to whatever I’m weighing, and fastening the strap is an unnecessary two-handed chore. The strap end isn’t folded over and sewn, so it tends to slip out of the male end of the snap buckle, causing the whole thing to come undone and lift away from what you’re weighing. A couple of staples fixed it; tape would have worked too.
I plan to retrofit the strap with a hook once I find or make the right one and figure out the best way to attach it. In the meantime, the scale works great and is compact enough to pack in our luggage for pre-flight weigh-ins.