Starting Monday, Korean Air will implement a new policy requiring passengers to step on a scale before boarding their flights. The law, which applies to all Korean flag carriers, requires airlines to weigh passengers and their carry-on luggage every five years in the interest of flight safety. However, the announcement of this policy has received backlash from the public, leading to its removal from the airline’s website.
Aviation experts have differing opinions on the necessity of weighing passengers. Vance Hilderman, CEO of aviation safety company Afuzion, argues that passenger weight is not a significant factor in flight safety for larger commercial aircraft. Aviation software can adjust for weight changes, air density, and other factors. Hilderman emphasizes that the weight of fuel, cargo, and the aircraft itself far outweigh any individual passenger’s weight.
On the other hand, Shem Malmquist, an instructor at Florida Tech’s College of Aeronautics, believes that random weight samples are crucial. As average passenger weights increase, it could lead to compromised safety margins for aircraft performance calculations.
A study published in the Journal of Transport & Health highlights the potential safety risks of increasing obesity rates among passengers. However, airlines may be reluctant to weigh passengers due to sensitivity surrounding the topic.
Some airlines, such as Air New Zealand and Finnair, have previously weighed passengers for safety and fuel efficiency reasons. In the United States, it is unlikely that passengers will be weighed, as American airlines follow regulations that do not require it.
Periodic weight assessments can help airlines gauge if their weight estimates are accurate. However, the topic becomes more complicated due to privacy concerns in Europe and the need to accommodate larger passengers without significantly increasing ticket prices or changing seat sizes.
Overall, the issue of passenger size on planes is controversial. While some argue for larger seats to accommodate overweight passengers, it is not practical due to the predetermined size of aircraft fuselages and the potential cost increase for airfares. Most passengers prioritize affordable tickets over seat sizes.
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