Auckland-based Air New Zealand will ask international-bound passengers over the next five weeks in June and July to get on the scales as part of a survey to gauge the weight of the average traveler and their carry-on baggage. While it may seem a little unusual, the carrier analyzes the findings to ensure that the airline can confidently estimate the weights of each flight and the aircraft.
Air New Zealand takes the survey every five years and plans to have around 10,000 willing travelers jump on the scales.
Anonymous and hidden
The airline has confirmed that the process is relatively straightforward: two scales are placed in the terminal, one for the passenger and one for their baggage. Once both are weighed, the results are automatically transferred onto a laptop, and the traveler can be on their merry way. The airline even offers a bowl of candy to help lure in willing participants.
Not just research
New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority regulates that the survey is taken every five years to ensure more accurate, up-to-date data for estimating the load of an aircraft, including the average weight of checked and carry-on baggage, passengers, and even down to onboard meals and drinks brought onto the aircraft (the list does go on).
Air New Zealand also hit the headlines for completing the survey domestically in 2021. With many taking to social media about the ‘weigh-in.’ Even TV presenter Hilary Barry:
The airline quickly put Hilary’s mind at ease, responding, ”It’s a regulatory requirement to calculate the average weight of our passengers, crew, and baggage every five years. All data is anonymous, so there is no need to feel embarrassed! Taking part isn’t compulsory, but we appreciate our customers helping out.”
Sources: 1News, New Zealand Herald