janisj is right. if you search luggage on this site for packing tips you can find a wealth of information. i totally changed what i was taking and now have room to purchase a few things if i want.

By now, victorious, you may have found a scale in the PO. However, another site which has a large scale would be the local veterinary office.

If your carryon is too heavy, take out the heaviest object and put it in your purse/pocket. Usually for me, that's the camera -- video and still. While it is slightly uncomfortable in my purse (big purse), that is only while I'm checking in, when they would weight the bloody thing. Besides, if they insist on me checking it, I would want the cameras with me anyhow. I transfer them back when I'm on the plane.

We always weigh our bags at home, and I leave 5-8 lbs leeway on weight because of variations on airport scales, and because luggage a huge bag is a horrible experience, so I try to go lighter than possible and that leaves wiggle room on the way home.

Two ideas. I remember a Dick Tracy comic strip. Some character carried everything in his overcoat! Second one...Use Duty Free bags. Remember that everyone with a ticket has the same limits. Small children usually don't max out their limits!