Passengers checking luggage at Newark Liberty International Airport may be paying more than they should due to faulty baggage scales, according to a report first published by NJ Spotlight News.
State inspection data reviewed by the outlet found that baggage scales at Newark produced inaccurate readings in roughly 27% of tests conducted by New Jersey regulators. That error rate is significantly higher than at nearby airports, where annual inspections show far fewer problems.
The discrepancies could have real financial consequences for travelers. Airlines often charge steep fees for overweight luggage — in some cases up to $200 per bag — based on what the scale reads.
The most recent comprehensive inspection at Newark took place in October 2023, when regulators tested 384 scales and found 105 that failed. Many of the faulty devices overstated weight, increasing the likelihood that passengers would be charged extra fees. In some cases, scales added pounds beyond the actual weight; in others, they failed to register weight accurately at all.
One scale, after being repaired, still showed discrepancies of up to 35 pounds. Another failed to detect hundreds of pounds during testing, registering zero weight even as inspectors added increasingly heavy loads.
By contrast, inspections at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport have found far fewer issues. Records show that all scales tested at LaGuardia were functioning properly, while only a small number failed at JFK and were quickly repaired.
New Jersey officials acknowledged that staffing shortages contributed to the lack of more frequent inspections. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs has not conducted annual checks at Newark, unlike New York City regulators who inspect scales yearly at their airports.
Airport officials said they are working with airlines and terminal operators to address the issue. “Providing world-class service to our customers includes ensuring fairness in all commercial transactions,” the Port Authority said in a statement, adding that corrective measures will be implemented as needed.