When you discover your luggage exceeds the airline's weight limit at the check-in counter, you have several options to avoid or minimize heavy "excess baggage" fees. The quickest solution is to repack on the spot; move heavy items like shoes, books, or electronics into your carry-on bag or "personal item," as these are rarely weighed by major domestic carriers. Another common trick is to wear your heaviest clothing, such as a thick winter coat or heavy boots, through security to shed weight from the suitcase. If you are traveling with a companion whose bag is under the limit, you can ask the agent to "pool" your baggage weight, though this depends on the airline's specific policy. If you cannot reduce the weight, check if it is cheaper to pay for a second bag rather than paying the overweight fee for one, as the fee for a second bag is often significantly lower than the penalty for a bag exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg). Lastly, some airlines allow you to pay for extra weight at a discounted rate via their mobile app or website before you reach the airport, so checking your weight at home with a luggage scale is always the best preventative measure to save time and money at the terminal.