INSPECTORS PUT BAGGAGE SCALES TO THE TEST AT SAN JOSE AIRPORT

Travelers often question whether the scales airlines use to weigh checked bags are accurate. If they aren't, passengers could end up paying more than they should. To see how the equipment stacks up to scrutiny, reporter Damian Trujillo tagged along on a "scale inspection" today at Mineta San Jose International Airport.

“These scales have to be perfectly calibrated," Trujillo said of the strict standards. "They can't be a tenth of a pound over or under, or inspectors will shut them down.” Ryan Atwood, an inspector with the county’s Weights and Measures Department, brought his tools to the airport for the operation. He quickly had to red-tag one scale that was two-tenths of a pound off.

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