Air New Zealand is introducing a pre-flight passenger weighing program for international flights departing from Auckland International Airport through July 2, 2023. The program, known as a passenger weight survey, aims to gather data on weight load and distribution for planes, according to the airline.
Passengers will be asked to step on a digital scale and have their weight submitted to the survey, but the data will be made anonymous to protect individuals’ privacy. The airline states that no one will be able to see a visible display of the passenger’s weight, not even the airline staff.
The passenger weight survey is not a new concept for Air New Zealand. Domestic passengers participated in a similar survey last year, but the one for international travelers was delayed due to the pandemic. Among the passengers who will participate in the survey are those traveling on Air New Zealand’s direct flight from Auckland to New York City’s JFK Airport, a 17-hour flagship route launched in 2020 as part of the airline’s post-pandemic strategy.
In addition to passenger weight, Air New Zealand weighs everything that goes on the aircraft, ranging from cargo to onboard meal weight and luggage weight in the hold. For customers, crew, and cabin bags, the airline uses average weights obtained from surveys such as these.
Despite the potential discomfort of stepping on a scale, Air New Zealand reassures its passengers that the information obtained from the survey will help the airline better balance weight loads on its planes, leading to a safer and more comfortable flying experience for everyone.