Why One Airline is Currently Weighing Travelers Before Takeoff

With long security lines, expensive plane tickets, and the general anxiety of flying, the airport can be a stressful location for some airline passengers.

Orlando International Airport

Recently, one airline made some major headlines with its decision to weigh passengers before flying. Let’s discuss what’s going on.

The Associated Press reported that Air New Zealand is weighing airline passengers on international flights as part of a monthlong survey. The survey began in early June and will run through July 2nd.

©Air New Zealand

The survey calls for 10,000 passengers to be weighed “So pilots can better know the weight and balance of their planes before takeoff,” per The Associated Press. Note that the weigh-in data is not being publicly displayed; the measurements remain anonymous to airline staff, too.

Obtained via NBC News, Courtesy of Air New Zealand

To further explain the airline’s reasoning, Alastair James, a load control improvement specialist for Air New Zealand, told AP, “We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft — from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold,” adding “For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.”

American Airlines Planes

In fact, The Associated Press explained that the data being gathered is required by the Civil Aviation Authority. Airlines can provide their numbers based on survey data or an accepted standard weight.

Obtained via NBC News, Courtesy of Air New Zealand

NBC News’ aviation expert John Cox added, “Air New Zealand and the New Zealand regulators are in fact helping the industry. … I think you may see some other airlines utilize this at some point in the future.”

Orlando International Airport

Keep in mind that this data is to be used purely for research purposes. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.