Airlines react to our ABC2 investigation into baggage scale inspections

LINTHICUM, Md. - ABC2 contacted all eight airlines whose inspections were included in state files obtained through the Department of Agriculture's Weights and Measures section. 

AMERICAN

The airline says they are diligent in making sure their scales are calibrated.  Their spokesman says a private company is brought in to inspect the nine scales operated by American every two months.  And during the last three years, their company rep says they've never had a scale off by more than a pound in either direction.

CONTINENTAL/UNITED

It is United’s policy to maintain scales in accordance with company and regulatory requirements. Scales are calibrated on a schedule that meets or exceeds state regulatory guidelines. Any scale found to be not operating properly is immediately removed from service and repaired.

JETBLUE

An airline spokeswoman says, "We’re pleased that the findings of the inspections reflect the care and pride we put into maintaining our equipment and will continue to aim for excellence in all that we do.

US AIR

The airline says they take the accuracy of their scales very seriously.  A company spokesman says they want to make sure their scales are accurate so that customers get exactly what they pay for.  The rep says a third party vendor independently inspects their scales every other month and that if issues are spotted the scale is removed from use.

AIRLINE	1st BAG	2nd BAG	EXTRA BAG	50+ BAG	70+ BAG
	$25	$35	$150	$100	$200
	$20	$25	$50	$49	$79
	$25	$35		$200	$400
	$25	$35	$125	$90	$175
	$0	$35	$75	$50	$100
	$0	$0	$50	$50
	$25	$35		$100	$200
	$25	$35	$125	$90	$175