[Ellie Baxter]

Air New Zealand has sparked discussions recently due to passengers being weighed at departure gates, along with their luggage.
However, this practice is a requirement by the country’s Civil Aviation Authority, which applies to all items being loaded onto the plane.
A similar exercise took place on domestic flights in 2021, and now international flights are being included.
“We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft – from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold,” explains Air New Zealand load specialist Alastair James.
“For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.”
This data then informs pilots when it comes to the weight and balance of the loaded aircraft.
But when it comes to weighing passengers, the airline says this is entirely voluntary, and there is no visible display anywhere.
“No one can see your weight – not even us! It’s completely anonymous.”
The current survey of international flights is being carried out on selected Air New Zealand flights departing from Auckland and will run until July 2.

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