One month after I reviewed Balanzza’s Digital Luggage Scale (see “Avoid luggage fees with this travel gadget“) and complained about its bulk, the company introduced a lighter, slimmer one. Good thing I didn’t buy the original.

The Balanzza Ergo (on right) is 33 percent lighter than the original but the design is sleeker because the handle and scale are the same. The original 12 ounce scale (pictured on left) is obviously bulkier.

The Ergo looks like a small dumbbell (I didn’t test this out myself). It works just like the original: Attach the suitcase to the scale’s dangling strap, lift the whole contraption up so the suitcase is in the air (the hard part, for sure), wait for the beep as Ergo calculates the weight, and then figure out what to do if your suitcase is overweight.

The only reason I mention this is because of those darned overweight luggage fees that airlines have been increasing all year. Balanzza put together a handy chart of fees, probably to stun us all into getting one of these scales:

I can’t believe you have to pay to check a bag for several airlines. Count me out!

Anyway, the Balanzza Ergo is available at www.balanzza.com or local Stein Mart stores for $24.95.

Related posts:

• Review: Avoid luggage fees with this travel gadget (Gadgetress)
• Travel light and elude fees with a well-packed carry-on (OC Register)
• Save time at airport security with new laptop bag (Gadgetress)
• A refresher on baggage rules (Globetrotting blog from Boston Globe)
• 5 ways airlines are cutting costs (CNBC)
• Airline fees survival guide, part 2 and part 1  SmarterTravel.com)

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