Major airline now weighing passengers before they board

A major European airline has become the latest carrier to start weighing passengers as well as their luggage.

Finland’s flagship airline Finnair is inviting passengers to step on the scales throughout February, April and May.

Finnair said the move, introduced this week, was to collect data on the average weight of passengers and their carry-on baggage to improve balance calculations that will enhance flight safety.

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So far, more than 500 customers have volunteered to take part, the airline said.

While some travellers may be nervous about revealing their weight, the airline has stressed the study is voluntary and all data will be kept anonymous.

“We use the weighing data for the average calculations required for the safe operation of flights, and the collected data is not linked in any way to the customer’s personal data,” Finnair head of ground processes Satu Munnukka said.

“We record the total weight and background information of the customer and their carry-on baggage but we do not ask for the name or booking number, for example.

“Only the customer service agent working at the measuring point can see the total weight, so you can participate in the study with peace of mind.”

Passengers can take part in the weigh-ins near the Finnair departure gates at Helsinki Airport.

Finnair said flight balance calculations require the airline to know “the weight of the aircraft itself and the weight of fuel, checked baggage and cargo, onboard catering, water tanks and, of course, customers”.

Airlines can use average customer and carry-on baggage weights calculated by the Civil Aviation Authority or use their own measurements, which must be updated every five years.

The airline completed a similar study five years ago, when a “good number” of volunteers took part.

It’s not the only airline weighing its customers.

Air New Zealand and Korean Air both asked passengers to step on the scales last year to gather data on the weight load and distribution for planes