Finnair’s Explanation: The Logic Behind Weighing Passengers Before Flight

In a move aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency, Finnair has announced plans to collect data by voluntarily weighing customers and their carry-on baggage at the departure gate.

Emphasizing that the process is entirely voluntary and anonymous, the airline assures passengers that the data will be used solely to optimize the current aircraft balance calculations.

Every aircraft has a predetermined maximum weight to ensure a safe take-off, encompassing the weight of the aircraft itself, fuel, checked baggage, cargo, onboard catering, water tanks, and passengers. While the weight of various components is well-known to airlines, the weights of customers and their carry-on items have traditionally been calculated using average figures provided by aviation authorities.

Finnair has been utilizing average weights based on its own measurements since 2018, but regulatory requirements mandate updates every five years. With the last measurements conducted in 2017 and 2018, the airline is set to gather refreshed data between July and September 2024.

These updated average weights will be submitted to Traficom – The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency – for confirmation, subsequently being employed in aircraft balance and loading calculations from 2025 to 2030.

The voluntary weighments will take place at selected departure gates in Helsinki Airport, encompassing European flights within the Schengen area and certain long-haul flights departing from the non-Schengen side. Finnair’s initiative reflects a commitment to precision and safety, highlighting the airline’s dedication to utilizing accurate data for optimal aircraft performance.