Air New Zealand asks to weigh passengers flying internationally

Air New Zealand will be asking to weigh passengers traveling internationally in June.

The information will be collected to help the airline determine average passenger weights going forward when calculating the weight and balance of aircraft – which all pilots need to know before takeoff.

Alastair James, Air New Zealand load control improvement specialist, assured passengers it was voluntary and their weight would not be displayed for anyone to see at the airport.

“We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft – from the cargo to the meals on-board, to the luggage in the hold,” Mr James explained.

“For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.”

Passengers were weighed domestically in 2021 and now the airline is focusing on passengers travelling internationally.

They will be asked to be weighed at the entrance to the gate lounge of certain Air New Zealand flights departing from Auckland International Airport until July 2.

“We know stepping on the scales can be daunting. We want to reassure our customers there is no visible display anywhere. No one can see your weight – not even us! It’s completely anonymous,” Mr James said.

“It’s simple, it’s voluntary, and by weighing in, you’ll be helping us to fly you safely and efficiently, every time.”

Air New Zealand told news.com.au it needed at least 10,000 passengers to participate and the survey was a Civil Aviation Authority requirement.