In a bid to maintain safety standards and accuracy, Air New Zealand will be conducting a passenger weight survey throughout June and July, which has stirred up curiosity and debate among travellers.
And while it does seem a bit ‘unusual’, Air NZ would usually conduct a passenger weight survey every five years all in the name of safety.
"This is all to do with making sure the average weight that they calculate when they balance an aircraft is still up to date with the average weight of New Zealanders."
- Lana
The aim is to ensure that the average weight used for balancing aircraft remains up to date with the evolving physique of New Zealanders. This survey helps the airline gather comprehensive weight data, including the weight of both passengers and their carry-on luggage.
The survey will collect data from 10,000 voluntary customers travelling on international flights out of Auckland International Airport.
This data will allow them to make more precise calculations for fuel consumption, load distribution, and overall flight safety.
"They've got to get the weight of 10,000 [...] then we can just know that we're safer in the skies. It's not a big deal”
- Lana
Wondering how this weighing process works? Passengers will be asked to step on a scale while their carry-on bag is weighed separately.
The airline assures passengers that their weights won't be displayed on any public screens.
"If that changes whether or not you want to do it, no one else can see it."
- Lana
Lana has been a part of the surveyed pool in past years and had an important message for people who might feel the pressure to opt-out.
“If only the people who are comfortable with seeing their weight, who are typically smaller, [...] how true is that number to the average weight of passengers that are getting on the plane?”
“So I just bit the bullet and jumped on and I actually couldn't see my weight. There was absolutely no reaction whatsoever.”
Air New Zealand does understand that not everyone will feel comfortable with the process, and does reassure passengers that there will be no repercussions for opting out.
So, next time you board an Air New Zealand flight, don't be surprised if you're asked to step on a scale—it's all in the name of enhancing safety!
