Passengers flying with Finnair are being requested to volunteer to be weighed together with their luggage ahead of their flight.
Multiple news sources reporting on the initiative say that is intended to provide a more accurate figure for the weight of the aircraft.
“Our customers have taken it really positively so far. We’ve been quite surprised by people wanting to take part,” a spokesperson for the airline told The Guardian.
Aircraft have a maximum take-off weight that must not be exceeded and as part of the calculation, average passenger weights for males and females are used. This number is recalculated every five years. To better determine its average passenger weights, Finnair has now asked passengers to step on the scale.
Data is not linked to individual customers, and the airline has reassured the public. “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. Only the customer service agent working at the measuring point can see the total weight, so you can participate in the study with peace of mind,” said Satu Munnukka, the Head of Ground Processes at Finnair.
