You may have already encountered or heard that many airlines are now charging for luggage – even for the first piece of checked luggage with some airlines. In some cases, the maximum weight has been lowered (for example – from 75 lbs. to 50 lbs.), over which a charge is made. Some airlines in Europe and other countries will not allow excess or overweight luggage to be transported at all. Therefore, consider weighing your luggage before leaving home so you can shift items between suitcases or even remove some unnecessary items. Inexpensive scales are now readily available in all luggage stores so you can quickly weigh your luggage.