The recent announcement about Air New Zealand's new policy of weighing overseas passengers before takeoff may surprise or infuriate travelers. But it's not as severe as you may assume, despite what certain headlines might imply.
To sum up, yes, some overseas passengers are weighed by Air New Zealand before takeoff, but it is completely voluntary. It is in no way an attempt to judge or body shame passengers. Passenger weighing is a voluntary assessment used to increase operational effectiveness and safety.
More than 10,000 international passengers flying out of Auckland International Airport (AKL) will be allowed to participate in the weighted survey between May 29 and July 2. The program, which was required by New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority, is a crucial step in obtaining information on weight load and distribution for precise calculations relating to the safe and effective functioning of its aircraft.
You might be asked to step on a computerized scale with your bags during check-in if you're taking an upcoming overseas flight with Air New Zealand. At dedicated weigh-in stations near the lounge entrances, weigh-ins take place.
Even the scale attendants won't be able to see the results of any weigh-ins because this weighing procedure is completely anonymous and does not display individual weights.
Again, taking part in the poll is entirely optional, as confirmed by Air New Zealand. Whether or not they share their weight information is entirely up to the passengers.
Alastair James, the airline's load control improvement specialist, said in a statement: "We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft, from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the bags in the hold. We use the average weights that we determine from this poll for customers, crew, and cabin bags.
Should you decide to participate in the survey, the information gathered will be used to improve weight and balance calculations for Air New Zealand's aircraft.
The airline has previously carried out weight assessments to enhance flight optimization. The survey's worldwide deployment was delayed due to the epidemic, but domestic travelers were first requested to participate in 2021.
In conclusion
The internet is awash with headlines claiming that Air New Zealand weighs all of its foreign passengers before departure. This is accurate, but it's also a little deceptive and makes things seem worse than they are.
No passengers traveling with the airline will be coerced into getting on the scales; participation is purely voluntary. If you consent to have your luggage and you weighed, the airline will use the information anonymously to increase productivity and optimize the usage of the aircraft.
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