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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Despite this not being a requirement for every-day aviation travel, the process has occurred countless times throughout the industry, with this routine procedure allowing airlines to calculate the average weight of a passenger.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cough up and pay the excessDepending on how many kilos over your suitcase is, you might have a few extra kilos spare where you can pay a fee to let your suitcase go through. Sometimes just being ready to hand over your credit card without protest will make ground crew waive the fee.
Traveler's tip – Shoes, shoes, shoes and jeans are the heaviest items. Plan your travel wardrobe carefully to limit the amount of heavy items you're bringing. Coordinate your outfits while planning your trip at home.
It is rare for airlines to weigh your carry on or hand luggage. So long as your bag is not clearly overweight, and you're able to carry it with ease – you shouldn't have any issues with a slightly overweight bag.
The passenger is assumed to be handling their carry-on luggage, and if they are stupid enough to injure themselves doing it nobody else particularly cares. But checked luggage is handled by employees, who often lug bags all day long. So keeping to a weight limit is important to preserve their health and safety.
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.
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.
It's worth remembering that while airlines typically only weigh checked luggage, some might be inclined to inspect your cabin cases too. Guidelines vary, do due diligence.
Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.
British Airways Checked BaggageEach piece of luggage must not be larger than 90cm x 75cm x 43cm including any pieces of the luggage that stick out (handles, wheels etc). Each piece of luggage has a weight allowance of either 23kg or 32kg depending on your route/ticket.
You can share your allowance with others on your booking, as long as no single bag weighs more than 25kg. As for hand luggage, you can take one item weighing no more than 10kg and measuring no more than 55x40x20cm onboard. You'll need to be able to lift it into the overhead storage compartment yourself.
American's website states that passengers who need a seat belt extender and whose body extends more than one inch past the armrest will need to buy a ticket for a second seat.
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.
EasyJet Passenger Of Size PolicyEasyJet does not have a specific passenger of size policy but they do state on their website that if you're unable to fit into your seat for any reason, you are required to pay for a second seat at the prevailing rates.