Finnair has begun weighing passengers before they take off to collect flight data for improved safety. While the airline says it will help with flight data, critics argue that the move amounts to fat-shaming.
The Finnish airline has started weighing passengers at the departure gates at Helsinki Airport as part of its voluntary programme. This will allow airlines to better calculate weight estimates for planes before they take off. The first passengers were seen standing on scales at the airport under a sign that reads: ‘Voluntary Customer Weight Survey.’ The airline insists that the scheme is essential to understand the weight being carried by an aircraft on a given trip, which can significantly vary depending on the location and time of year of the flight. A spokesperson noted that the accurate data will improve aircraft performance and balance calculations, enhancing the safety of flights.
Over 800 people have agreed to be weighed as part of the voluntary programme, and Finnair says the move will provide better data for flights, ultimately leading to improved safety. The airline’s communication director explained that this is a part of their commitment to having a strong safety culture and ensuring accurate data for flight calculations. The airline is aiming to get better averages for safer flying.
A former USAF engineer emphasized the importance of accurate weight and weight distribution on aircraft for flight safety, noting that outdated weight assumptions could be extremely dangerous. However, frequent flyers are concerned that weighing passengers for safety reasons could be humiliating and potentially lead to discrimination. They suggest that instead of weighing passengers at the gate, airlines should request their weight at the time of booking to support safety directives without causing embarrassment.
Finnair’s decision to weigh volunteers came about in 2017 when the airline chose to use its own guide measures instead of relying on the European Aviation Safety Authority’s standard weights. The company’s current standard weights, based on their own testing, indicate that men weigh an average of 96kg and women weigh 76kg, with variations depending on the season and route. Finnair said more than 800 people have voluntarily weighed themselves and that they were positively surprised by the number of volunteers.
Finnair is not the first airline to weigh passengers, as Korea’s largest airline, Korean Air, had initiated a similar measure in 2020. The move aimed to reduce wasted fuel and help more accurately estimate the weight of the plane. It is unclear if other airlines have plans to introduce passenger weigh-ins.
