Finnair’s passenger weighing practice and controversies
T24 International News
The national airline of Finland, Finnair, has started a voluntary program in the capital Helsinki to assist in calculating fuel requirements and the „maximum weight“ for a safe takeoff. So far, over 800 passengers have been weighed as part of the completely voluntary Finnair program. Finnair is not the only airline starting to weigh their customers; Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines have done the same in recent years. Air New Zealand previously stated that this is necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft and is a requirement of the civil aviation authority. Despite being voluntary, some passengers took to social media to express their thoughts on the new practice, saying, „This is ridiculous“ and „Don’t do this stupidity.“ Another passenger said, „This is a violation of human rights.“ The new practice, described by most passengers as „dangerous fat phobia,“ has come under criticism.
T24