Airline Weighs Passenger 'Like Baggage' Before Flight, Travelers Call It 'Cruel'

A recent TikTok video capturing an airline passenger being asked to step onto a baggage scale before boarding has ignited a fierce debate on social media.

The video shows an unidentified woman complying with the request as airport personnel checks her weight, which reportedly became necessary due to the small size of the aircraft. While some argue that such practices are necessary for safety reasons, others condemn it as an invasion of privacy and a violation of personal boundaries.

In the viral ">video, posted by user @lilwessel, the unidentified passenger is seen standing on a baggage scale typically used to weigh luggage. The caption explains that the airline required passenger weights to ensure the small plane's safe take-off.

The incident drew mixed reactions, with many users expressing outrage and labelling the airline as "cruel," while others claimed that such procedures are common practice in the aviation industry.

Airline Passenger Weighed Like Baggage

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), weighing passengers and their luggage before boarding is a recommended practice to prevent overloading an aircraft. This measure helps ensure the plane remains within its designated weight limits, which is crucial for safe operations. The FAA advises airlines to follow guidelines set by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the plane's take-off weight accurately.

On one hand, people argue that passenger weighing is a necessary safety precaution, especially for smaller planes with limited capacity. They believe that by obtaining accurate weight information, airlines can make informed decisions to maintain the aircraft's balance and stability. In emergency situations or during critical phases of flight, even a slight imbalance could have disastrous consequences. Therefore, they argue that the potential inconvenience or discomfort caused to passengers is justified when it comes to ensuring their safety.

On the other hand, critics denounce the practice as an invasion of privacy and an infringement upon personal boundaries. They argue that passengers should not be subjected to public weighing, as it can be embarrassing, dehumanising, and even discriminatory. Furthermore, they contend that the responsibility for aircraft weight management should rest solely on the airlines' planning and operational procedures, rather than directly involving passengers.

Finding a balance between passenger safety and privacy is undoubtedly a challenging task. While the aviation industry must prioritise safety measures, it is crucial to respect passengers' rights and dignity. The FAA and airlines should explore alternative methods to accurately estimate the weight of passengers without compromising their privacy or causing unnecessary discomfort. Technological advancements, such as improved sensors or sophisticated weight distribution algorithms, could potentially offer more dignified solutions.

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Views expressed by the author are their own