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| JETSTAR AIRBUS A321-251NX VH-OYV (MSN 12159) |
Some passengers claimed their carry-on bags were within the 7kg limit, only to discover at the gate that portable scales showed they exceeded the weight threshold. As a result, they were forced to pay an additional $65 excess baggage fee or be denied boarding.
A passenger who flew from Wellington (WLG/NZWN) to Auckland (AKL/NZAA), weighed his carry-on bag at 5.44kg when he checked in and again in the boarding lounge at 6.18kg. But when he reached the portable scales at the boarding gate, his bag came in at 7.5kg - forcing him to pay a surcharge.
"I asked to speak with the supervisor, and the supervisor came out and simply handed me an EFTPOS machine," he said. Another passenger shared a similar experience after flying with the same airline. Despite twice staying under the limit, the portable scales at the gate weighed her bag at 7.5kg.
'They said I'd have to pay the $65, and I said, 'No, that's not happening,' she said. The passenger was forced to repack her bags to avoid the fine. 'I didn't lose money, but for me it's a matter of principle. These scales are either out of calibration or there is something wrong with them,' she said. Another couple said the gate scales showed their luggage was 1.6kg heavier than a set of scales in the main airport building. 'We got a reading of 6.9kg in the downstairs terminal and then up here it was supposedly 8.5kg,' Sarah said.
Jetstar said there was no problem with its scales. (but of course they would say that)
'We employ a contract company that services, maintains and calibrates our baggage scales throughout the country every year,' cabin manager Simon Davey said
I, myself, have been caught up in this situation at Hobart airport. I always make sure I am under 7kg. Weighed it at the airport and was 6.8kg. At the gate, 7.6 and I had no choice to pay the $65.00
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