Some airlines have started to weigh passengers before boarding their flights, a practice that has caused mixed reactions among travelers. While some may feel uncomfortable or discriminated by having to step on a scale in public, others may understand the need for safety and efficiency reasons, as airlines need to know the accurate weight of their aircraft and balance the load distribution.

One of the airlines that has adopted this policy is Air New Zealand, which is conducting a voluntary survey to measure the average weight of passengers and their baggage on international flights out of Auckland International Airport. The survey, which runs from May to July 2023, is requested by the country’s Civil Aviation Authority, which requires weight surveys to be performed every five years .

According to Air New Zealand, the weigh-in is discreet and anonymous, as the scales do not display the weight and the data is recorded along with thousands of other passengers. The airline says that this will not delay flights and takes place before the gate to board the aircraft. The airline also assures that no one can see the weight of the passengers, not even their staff .

The airline says that weighing passengers and their carry-on bags helps them to calculate the fuel required for each flight and to optimize their operations. The airline also says that this practice is common among other airlines around the world, especially those operating smaller aircraft .

However, some passengers may feel uneasy or offended by having to reveal their weight to an airline. They may worry about privacy issues, potential discrimination or stigma, or being charged extra fees if they exceed a certain weight limit. Some passengers may also question the validity and reliability of the survey, as it is based on voluntary participation and may not reflect the true average weight of travelers .

The debate over weighing passengers before boarding raises some ethical and practical questions for both airlines and travelers. How can airlines ensure that their weight surveys are accurate and representative? How can they protect the privacy and dignity of their passengers? How can they balance their safety and efficiency goals with their customer satisfaction and loyalty? And how can passengers cope with this new reality and make informed choices about their travel options ?

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