Airline Starts Weighing Passengers Before Flights In Bid To Address Overloading Issues

Jun 05, 2023

Anyone who’s ever booked a flight knows how stressful considering the weight of one’s luggage can be. But what happens when it’s not just the heft of the bags but the passenger as well that airlines begin to take into consideration?

In a bid to get to the bottom of the weight dilemma faced by airlines, the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority announced it would conduct a survey that includes weighing passengers from May 31, 2023, to July 2, 2023, on the country’s national carrier, Air New Zealand. According to the airline’s load control improvement specialist, Alastair James, the exercise would serve to compile data on weight load and distribution for planes.

“We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft – from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold. For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey,” he explained in a statement that also spelled out exactly how the process would go for travelers during the period.

In light of the general sensitivity most people have surrounding their weight, it seems almost cruel to ask passengers to step on a scale prior to a flight. However, James assured any and all information gathered by the airline would remain anonymous.

“We know stepping on the scales can be daunting. We want to reassure our customers there is no visible display anywhere. No one can see your weight, not even us,” James explained.

During check-in, passengers are asked to stand on a digital scale. The information will automatically be fed to the survey and will not be viewable by any staff, agents or even the traveler or any screen. Luggage will also be weighed on a separate scale.

According to Air New Zealand, all individuals aboard selected international flights, including pilots and cabin crew, are to undergo the same weighing procedures. 

“For safety reasons we need to know the weight of all items onboard the aircraft. For passengers, crew and carry on bags, we use average weights that we get every five years through this survey,” it said.

The carrier added it takes its customer’s privacy seriously and will not in any way manage any information it collects negligently.

“The scales do not display the weight as this is fed directly into a computer and recorded anonymously along with thousands of other passengers,” it explained.

It said the survey, an exercise it undergoes every five years, was also not compulsory.

“Participation is entirely voluntary and our staff will guide passengers through the weighing process. This will not delay flights and takes place before the gate to board your aircraft,” it stated.

So for passengers who fear they may soon be punished for any “excessive” weight when flying in the future, rest assured. The exercise is simply seeking to address the problem of overloading.

“Most modern aircraft are so designed that, when all seats are occupied, the baggage compartment is full, and all fuel tanks are full, the aircraft is grossly overloaded," according to the United States Federal Aviation Authority. 

“If maximum range is required, occupants or baggage must be left behind or if the maximum load must be carried, the range, dictated by the amount of fuel on board, must be reduced,” it added.

What are your thoughts on Air New Zealand’s weight survey? Would you voluntarily undergo the process? Let us know, and don’t forget to pass this on to friends and family who might find this story interesting, too.