AIR NEW ZEALAND TO WEIGH PASSENGERS BEFORE DEPARTURE

If you’re planning on flying with Air New Zealand from now until 2 July, you’d better start dieting.

The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority has requested the country’s national airline to start weighing its passengers as part of a survey.

The aim of the survey is to gather data on the weight load and distribution for planes.

Alastair James, the airline’s load control improvement specialist said in a statement the airline will use the data to work out the average weight of their passengers and cabin crew.

“We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft – from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold. For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.”

When checking in for their flight, passengers will be asked to stand on a digital scale. The agent won’t be able to view a passenger’s weight and it won’t be displayed anywhere.

“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.”

Once the passenger has been weighed, they will be asked to put their luggage on an identical scale as well.

Image credit: NBC News