Passengers Volunteer to be Weighed Before Boarding in Airline Trial
We all know the feeling of anxiety when our baggage is weighed at the airport check-in counter. It’s even worse when we have to frantically search through our bags to remove something heavy, all because our bags are just a few ounces overweight. But now, some brave airline passengers are taking it a step further by consenting to be weighed themselves before boarding the plane.
European carrier Finnair is conducting a trial at its Helsinki Airport hub, where volunteer passengers are being weighed at the departure gate. The purpose of this trial is to allow the airline to refine weight estimates for planes before takeoff. What makes this trial even more interesting is that passengers are being weighed together with their carry-on bags, which means there’s no sneaking an overweight bag onto the plane.
To address any privacy concerns, Finnair has ensured that the weigh-ins are completely anonymous. Only the member of staff at the gate sees the weight, and it is not linked to individual bookings or passenger data. Päivyt Tallqvist, Finnair’s senior vice president of communications, stated, “Everything is anonymous…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.”
The trial began on Monday, and within just a few days, 800 volunteers had already taken part. Tallqvist expressed her surprise at the number of volunteers, stating, “We have communicated about this survey to Finnair customers via our social media channels and our mobile app, and the first volunteers were proactively asking to take part even before the equipment was set up.”
Finnair plans to weigh 1,200 passengers for the winter season and even more for the summer season. The data collected will help the airline calculate the average weight of passengers and their hand luggage. This information is crucial for aircraft balance and performance calculations, which are necessary for the safe operation of flights.
Airlines calculate the weight of everyone onboard, including cargo, baggage, catering, and water tanks, before each takeoff. The weight and trim of an aircraft can affect seating arrangements and even the number of passengers allowed onboard. While airlines typically use average passenger weights provided by aviation authorities, Finnair has been using its own measurements since 2018. However, these measurements must be updated every five years, hence the need for this trial.
Finnair is collecting data for both the winter and summer seasons because passengers tend to wear heavier clothing and coats during the cold Finnish winters. The winter readings will be completed in February, while the summer ones will be taken between April and May. The airline will calculate an average weight from the measurements taken and send the data to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency for verification. These weights will be used for loading calculations from 2025-2030.
While many passengers may feel uncomfortable with the idea of their weight being recorded, Satu Munnukka, Finnair’s head of ground processes, assures nervous passengers that “the collected data is not linked in any way to the customer’s personal data.” The focus is solely on the total weight and background information of the customer and their carry-on baggage. Munnukka emphasizes that participants can take part in the study with peace of mind.
In recent years, other airlines such as Korean Air and Air New Zealand have also conducted their own weighing programs to gather accurate weight data. This trend highlights the importance of precise weight calculations for flight safety and efficiency.
As Finnair continues its trial, it is clear that passenger weight plays a significant role in aviation operations. By refining weight estimates, airlines can ensure safer and more efficient flights. So the next time you’re at the airport, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to step on a scale before boarding. It’s all in the name of a smoother and safer journey for everyone on board.