Airplane Passengers Might Be Weighed Before Checking In For Flights

Oct 17, 2019 by apost team

Fat-shaming might be wrong, but some overweight UK travelers fear their excess pounds could soon subject them to even more humiliation. Imagine checking in for the flight you’ve already paid for and being asked to step on the scale. Should the number be deemed too high, you could suffer the public shame of being asked to pay a "fat fee."

Airlines defend their actions, saying obese passengers often require two seats to travel comfortably. Some airlines won’t let obese passengers fly without first purchasing two tickets. Passengers counter this argument with claims that airline seats are constantly growing smaller. Should a flight be too full to accommodate obese travelers, they’ll be forced to reschedule their flights.

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Airlines claim that jet fuel’s expensive, and it’s true that airline’s fuel-related costs are soaring according to Aviation Today. Airline officials have also asked if luggage is weighed before boarding, is it unreasonable to expect passengers also to also step on the scale?

Roy Fuscone, CEO and founder of Fuel Matrix has a plan that will require passengers to do exactly that. The startup company suggests installing weigh-in pads that every airline passenger must step on when they submit their bags for weigh-in. They posit that passenger weigh-ins will reduce jet fuel consumption. With less fuel burned, the environment also wins. Nick Brasier, Fuel Matrix's COO, goes on to say to People:

"We’re not suggesting people should stand on the scales, but airports could fit ‘pressure pads’ in the bag-drop area in front of each screen. After the bag has been checked in, the system can ask, ‘Are you standing on the pressure pad?’"

Should the passenger select ‘yes,’ their weight will be discretely recorded and transmitted to the airline. Brasier believes the pads are a solution that will allow overweight travelers to save face. They won’t be charged extra for their right to fly, but airlines will be able to better calculate the exact amount of fuel each flight requires to reach its destination safely. Over time, the price of airline tickets could fall, saving everyone money.

Being overweight isn't easy. Often, the condition can't be easily remedied. Should overweight passengers in need of transportation be forced to pay an extra toll for their condition? Tell us your thoughts below.