Why One Airline Is Inviting Volunteers to Be Weighed Before Flights

Navigating the airport prior to your flight is stressful for a lot of folks.

Orlando Airport

From waiting in long security lines and checking your bag to finding your gate and seat on the plane, traveling is a lengthy process before you ever take off. Now, an airline is adding another requirement to the must-do-before-flight checklist for passengers. Let’s talk about it!

Back in June of 2023, Air New Zealand made headlines as it began weighing passengers before allowing them to board planes for international flights as part of a monthlong survey.

©Orlando International Airport (MCO)

These measurements were not publicized or even made public to the airline staff, and they allowed pilots to better understand the weight and balance of their planes before takeoff.

Orlando Airport

Now, according to CNN, Finnair has begun weighing volunteer passengers before they board the plane so that they can gather the data to refine weight estimates aboard the plane before takeoff.

Orlando International Airport

They’re also being weighed along WITH their carry-on and personal items for a better estimate of weight distribution on the plane. They plan to weigh 1,200 passengers for the winter season, and more for the summer. The airline is collecting this data“for the purpose of aircraft balance and performance calculations that are needed for the safe operation of flights.”

What do you think? Would you volunteer to be weighed with your luggage before takeoff? We’re always monitoring travel news that could affect your trips, so make sure to stay tuned here at AE for more.