Why are flights weight restricted?

An airplane is designed with what's called a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). This is the combined weight of everything, the plane, baggage, fuel, cargo, people, food, etc., everything. That weight should not be exceeded otherwise the airplane won't take off or will require more runway to takeoff.



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The weight of the passengers, crew, and their carry-on luggage is mostly unknown. They set the maximum weight on the luggage so that even if the passengers on board are unusually heavy, there is still enough of a buffer that the aircraft does not exceed the MTOW.

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“Lift depends on several factors, but one of the most important is the temperature of the air – and as the air warms up it expands, so the number of molecules available to push the plane up is reduced. Planes get 1% less lift with every 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) of temperature rise, Williams said.

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Carry-on Weight Limits Most domestic flights limit carry-on suitcases, bags, and backpacks to 35 lbs. The allowable weight of carry-on luggage differs from airline to airline, but your carry-on luggage generally cannot weigh more than 16 to 18 lbs for international flights.

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How does a pilot know when an airplane is overweight? S/he calculates it. All airplanes are meticulously calculated down to the pound. So, a pilot would start with the “empty weight” of the plane, and then weigh each passenger, cargo and fuel being loaded, and in what location.

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Korean Air passengers will be asked to step on scales with their carried-on items at each boarding gate, a Korean Air official told the Korea JoongAng Daily. The data collated anonymously will be utilized for survey purposes and doesn't mean overweight passengers will need to pay more.

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There are short and tall professional pilots who might need aircraft modifications to ensure they can reach and operate the controls safely. While there are BMI guidelines that are considered part of your general health, there is no specific minimum or maximum weight required to become a pilot.

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Do airlines check hand luggage weight? Well it does happen, and some airlines are strict, but the vast majority of them only weigh checked luggage at the desk. That's the luggage you've either paid for or have included depending on your ticket.

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Most likely, it won't be comfortable, but you'll still fit at 300. Try and book next to an empty seat, if you can.

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How fat is too fat to fly? Even though there are no weight limits for fat passengers, there are normally three basic requirements for flying while overweight: Passengers must be able to sit with both armrests down. Passengers must be able to buckle their seatbelts.

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There is no set weight limit for passengers on commercial flights in the U.S., but some airlines, most notably Southwest, require customers who cannot fit in one seat to book a second.

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The term hard landing usually implies that the pilot still has total or partial control over the aircraft, as opposed to an uncontrolled descent into terrain (a crash). Hard landings can vary in their consequences, from mild passenger discomfort to vehicle damage, structural failure, injuries, and/or loss of life.

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Above this altitude the aircraft cannot fly fast enough to generate enough lift to stay aloft. This is affected by: weight (more weight needs more lift) engine power (more lift means more drag, that is overcome by engine power)

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The criteria for fitting in a seat are consistent with other airlines – armrests must be all the way down and the seatbelt with one extender must be able to be fastened. Customers who are not able to safely and comfortably fit in a single seat are required to purchase an additional seat for each leg of their itinerary.

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Choose Your Seat Wisely
While some passengers prefer window seats, aisle seats are often better for overweight passengers that are only purchasing one seat. Window seats are often the better option if you purchase an additional seat.

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Policies around plus-size travelers tend to vary from airline to airline. While a number, including United Airlines, require “customers who require extra seating” to buy an additional seat in advance, some refund the purchase if one or more seats are available after takeoff.

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