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You won’t want to travel without it.

Published on May 6, 2026 05:00AM EDT

Credit: Travel + Leisure

For many travelers, overpacking is one of the most persistent problems responsible for unexpected costs on vacation. From overweight bags to checking luggage in general, the weight of your suitcase can have a significant impact on the cost of your adventures—especially if the scales in the airport aren’t accurately measuring your bags. According to a 2023 inspection , a shocking 27 percent of luggage scales at Newark International Airport were incorrectly weighing bags, leading to an upcharge for travelers. While many of those scales were recalibrated or removed from service, no re-testing has been done since.…