Before boarding their trip, more than 10,000 Air New Zealand passengers must walk onto the scales. The airline is looking for participants in its passenger weight study using its international network. According to Air New Zealand, the programme is “essential” for ensuring “the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft” and is also mandated by the nation’s Civil Aviation Authority. International travel has resumed following the epidemic, so it’s time for international flyers to weigh in. Domestic travellers were weighed in 2021.
The airline wants to reassure customers who may be reluctant to have their handbags weighed
As The Independent has previously reported, weighing every passenger before takeoff can improve safety and reduce the environmental damage each flight does. At the moment, airlines utilise “assumed mass,” estimating the overall weight of the passengers based on predetermined numbers. The airline wants to reassure customers who may be reluctant to have their handbags weighed that there is nothing to be concerned about.
“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. It’s completely anonymous,” said Alastair James, Air New Zealand’s load control improvement specialist. “It’s simple, it’s voluntary, and by weighing in, you’ll be helping us to fly you safely and efficiently, every time.” Mr James explained that before each take-off the pilot needs to know the weight and balance of the loaded aircraft. “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.”
Until July 2, 2023, the survey will be conducted at the entrance to the gate lounge of specific Air New Zealand planes leaving Auckland International Airport. An account of a fellow traveller being purportedly requested to get on a baggage scale to be weighed before boarding a flight was posted earlier this month by a woman on Tiktok. (Klonopin)