If you discover your suitcase is overweight at the airport check-in counter, you have several quick options to avoid a hefty fee, which can often range from $100 to $200. The most common strategy is to "wear your weight"; put on your heaviest jacket, heaviest pair of boots, or layer a few shirts to move that weight from the bag to your person. Another effective move is to redistribute dense items like shoes, chargers, or large toiletries into your carry-on bag or a companion’s lighter suitcase, as carry-on weight is rarely checked by major domestic airlines. If you have a packable tote or "personal item" bag, you can move a few pounds into there. If the bag is still too heavy, ask the agent if it is cheaper to pay for a second checked bag instead of an overweight fee; on many carriers, a second bag costs $40–$60, whereas an overweight fee is double or triple that. To prevent this stress in the future, always weigh your bag at home using a digital scale or a handheld luggage scale, aiming for 48 pounds to allow for the slight variations in airport scale calibration.