Passengers advised to weigh bags

Passengers travelling through airports this summer are being advised to weigh their luggage according to the West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service, the West Sussex County Times has reported.

In order to avoid a costly charge of excess weight, passengers are being told to weigh luggage before hand in case the airport's scales are faulty.

Bruce Treloar, principal trading standards officer, told the County Times: "We advise people to try and weigh the baggage at home. Bathroom scales may not be perfectly accurate but they will give an idea."

If holidaymakers experience anything untoward at one of Britain's airports this summer they are urged to contact Trading Standards.

Peter Evans, county council cabinet member for public protection, told the County Times: "We want you all to have a happy summer holiday. But don't be afraid to complain to our Trading Standards experts if something goes wrong

Research by Trading Standards revealed that almost one in five of all baggage weighing scales at Gatwick Airport was inaccurate.