Your opportunity to provide input regarding airport and flight procedures in Thailand might soon become a reality. Bangkok Airways is considering joining several international airlines in the practice of weighing passengers before they board their flights.
On September 16, it became evident that airlines were becoming more interested in passengers’ weight. Prominent carriers like Korean Air and Air New Zealand introduced a rather unconventional rule, requiring passengers to step on scales before boarding their flights. The reason for this unusual measure is to decipher the standard weight of passengers and average values, essential for safely calculating the aircraft’s load.
This novel approach in the aviation industry has gained momentum, with the objective of maintaining optimal aircraft weight and thereby reducing fuel consumption. The primary goal of this unconventional procedure is to precisely determine the standard weight of passengers and averages. This, in turn, aids in accurately calculating the distribution of weight on the aircraft, resulting in fuel savings.
Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited is now joining the ranks of airlines adopting this weight-monitoring practice. Their intention is to utilize standardized average weight data to accurately assess the combined weight of passengers and their carry-on items.
In essence, while it’s common practice to weigh checked luggage, and weight limits for carry-on items are established, one critical element has been missing in calculating the aircraft’s total weight: the “extra baggage” carried by passengers themselves.
The ultimate objective is to ensure that each flight adheres to strict parameters set by the maximum take-off weight of the aircraft, thereby enhancing safety. However, for many, this emphasis on safety might feel like an intrusion into their privacy.
From September 15 to October 31, 2023, Bangkok Airways is formally requesting permission to weigh passengers, along with their carry-on items, at the boarding gate area. The airline’s management kindly asks for passengers’ cooperation in this data collection process.
Bangkok Airways assures passengers that their personal weight and carry-on items’ details will not be made public. They pledge to keep this information strictly confidential, with the sole purpose of refining their average weight calculations.
The airline emphasizes that the data collected is solely aimed at improving the accuracy and reliability of flight operations. They express their anticipation and optimism for the proactive support and collaboration of their passengers.
