Do Airlines check your weight?

So can you expect to find yourself on a scale before boarding your next domestic flight? Likely, no, but it isn't impossible. The U.S. does not require airlines to weigh passengers as South Korea does. However, a 2019 advisory from the FAA said airlines can weigh passengers, according to CNBC.



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However, a 2019 advisory from the FAA said airlines can weigh passengers, according to CNBC. “It allows us to have actual accurate and current, up-to-date weights for our particular flight,” Captain Laura Einsetler, a commercial airline pilot with more than 30 years of aviation experience, told NewsNation.

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Flyers in the United States likely won't be weighed, said Hilderman, even though an FAA advisory circular published in 2019 stated that airlines can weigh passengers. It's a different story in Europe, where carriers follow European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.

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While some travelers may be surprised to find themselves asked to step on a scale, this decision isn't made by airlines – it's often mandated by governmental airline regulators.

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Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags; however, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage and in some cases, personal items.

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That depends if you have several kg overweight and are asking for the price per kg or if you really just only have one single kg extra. For a singe kg above the limit you most probably will not get charged, especially not on a full service airline. There is usually a tolerance in the range of 2–3kg, sometimes up to 5.

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What about stepping on a scale? Many reacted less-than-fondly to an announcement earlier this month that Korean Air, a South Korea-based airline, planned to weigh passengers before boarding. A representative for the airline told CNBC the practice would last for about three weeks, and is required by law.

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How does the airliner crew know if the plane is overweight before takeoff? To ensure that an airliner is within its weight and balance limits, the crew uses a system that consists of three elements: weighing, recording, and loading.

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Where airlines weigh passengers. Air New Zealand weighed passengers in June for reasons, it said, related to safety and fuel efficiency. Finnair did the same in 2017, and Hawaiian Air has conducted multiple passenger weight exercises on flights between Honolulu and American Samoa.

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Each bag should weigh less than 23KG/50LBS. This is an international regulation set for the health and safety of airport workers who have to lift hundreds of bags daily.

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In general, obese passengers on airlines who require a seatbelt extender and/or cannot lower the armrests between seats are asked to pay for a second seat on their flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane. Special size passengers have little to no choice when it comes to this rule.

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Weight drives how much fuel an aircraft needs for a flight and in some circumstances such as long distance or high altitude airports, passengers and/or cargo must be offloaded so that sufficient fuel can be carried for the flight or the aircraft is able to successfully take off within the limitations of the airfield.

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I am a bigger person, size 24-26-28. Will I fit in an airplane seat? You will probably need to buy two coach seats and ask for a seatbelt extender (or to have yours). Remember, two coach seats are generally much cheaper and more spacious than a single first class seat.

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There is a 7kg limit per passenger for carry-on baggage, which must be stored in the overhead locker on Aer Lingus Regional flights (operated by Emerald Airlines), subject to availability. A small personal item (handbag or laptop bag) is also included and must be stowed under the seat in front of you.

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If +7 kg has sold out, your items are too heavy (over 14 kg ) or your items are too big, you'll need to purchase a checked baggage allowance and your baggage will be checked in.

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What if my luggage is 0.5 kg overweight? It's over the limit so assume you will be charged. There must be something in your hand luggage you can put in your pocket to get it under. Wear a coat with big pockets.

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For hold luggage, most airlines set a weight limit for single items of luggage. Usually, this is 23kg. If your hold luggage is over and you haven't paid for extra, you might be charged.

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