Air New Zealand has introduced a new measure that requires passengers to weigh themselves before boarding international flights departing from Auckland International Airport until July 2. This initiative is referred to as a “passenger weight survey” and is said to provide crucial data on the weight load and distribution for aircraft. Travelers will be asked to step onto a digital scale during check-in, with the information submitted directly to the survey. The collected data will remain anonymous to protect passengers’ privacy.
Air New Zealand assures passengers that the weighing process will be discreet, with no visible display of individual weights. This practice was previously implemented for domestic flights in 2021, but its expansion to international travelers was delayed due to the pandemic. Passengers on the Auckland-New York City route may also be subject to this survey, which plays a significant role in the airline’s post-pandemic strategy as one of the world’s longest flights.
However, the initiative has sparked concerns among passengers, given the personal nature of weight disclosure. It is important to note that this measure is an initiative to ensure the safety of all passengers and the aircraft.