FINNAIR WEIGHS PASSENGERS AMID FAT-SHAMING BACKLASH – Weighing passengers to collect data is standard operating procedure among airliners
Passengers on Finnish airliner Finnair went through a new step in their flying experience. Starting February and going until April-May, Finnair will collect data on the average weight of customers and their carry-on baggage when departing from Helsinki Airport.
The airliner will collect the data by weighing volunteering customers and their carry-on baggage at the departure gate. The company said weighing was voluntary and anonymous and that the data will only be used in aircraft balance calculations.
Each aircraft has a set maximum weight – including the weight of the aircraft itself, fuel, checked baggage and cargo, catering, water tanks and customers – to ensure a safe take-off. This weight cannot be exceeded.
Some social media posts have accused Finnair of fat-shaming its customers, but weighing passengers to collect data is standard operating procedure among airliners.