In a move aimed at improving flight safety, Finnish airline Finnair has started weighing passengers along with their carry-on luggage before takeoff.
The initiative, which began at Helsinki Airport, is part of the airline’s efforts to obtain more accurate data on the total weight of its aircraft, ensuring balanced and secure flights.
Voluntary Participation and Privacy Assurances
The weigh-ins, which started on Monday, have so far seen over 500 passengers voluntarily participating.
Finnair spokesperson Kaisa Tikkanen emphasized that the process is entirely voluntary and conducted with strict privacy measures.
“We record the total weight and background information of the customer and their carry-on baggage, but personal details such as names or booking numbers are not collected,”
To further reassure passengers, Satu Munnukka, Finnair’s head of ground processes, added, “Only the customer service agent at the measuring point can see the total weight, so participants can take part with peace of mind.”
Why Accurate Weight Matters in Aviation
For airlines, understanding the precise weight of a plane and its contents is crucial for maintaining balance and ensuring a safe flight.
Typically, airlines rely on average weights provided by aviation authorities or gather their own data. However, by weighing passengers and their carry-on luggage as a single unit, Finnair aims to fine-tune its calculations.
This initiative will continue until May, after which the data will be shared with the Finnish transport and communications agency, Traficom. The information gathered will contribute to aircraft balance and loading calculations for the next several years, up to 2030.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Despite the safety-driven rationale behind the weigh-ins, the move has sparked controversy on social media. Some users have expressed their discomfort with the idea, perceiving it as intrusive or potentially shaming. One user declared, “I will not be traveling via Finnair as I won’t be fat-shamed by a bloody airline. Am I alone?” Another commented, “Finnair’s weigh-in rules are not about passenger safety. No airplane has ever crashed because of overweight passengers. This is draconian law and nanny state.”
Finnair Responds to Criticism
In response to the backlash, Finnair’s communications director, Päivyt Tallqvist, clarified that the measure is strictly for safety purposes.
“This is part of having a very strong safety culture in our organization,” she told HuffPost. “We want to ensure the data we’re using for calculations is accurate.
These calculations are essential for every flight, and they play a crucial role in the aircraft’s performance. When passengers understand this, they are more accepting of the process.”
A Commitment to Safety
As Finnair continues its weigh-in initiative, the airline remains committed to its goal of ensuring the highest safety standards for its passengers.
While the process may be met with mixed reactions, Finnair believes that the benefits of accurate data collection far outweigh the concerns, ultimately contributing to safer flights for everyone on board.