Finland's national airline is weighing passengers on flights from its capital city. The weigh-ins are voluntary and anonymous. They are to ensure safety standards on flights are met. Airplanes should not exceed the maximum weight for safe take-offs and landings. This weight is made up of the aircraft, the fuel, baggage, cargo, food, water, and passengers. Airlines never know the exact weight of passengers. They rely on estimates given by aviation officials.
Volunteers are stepping on scales at Helsinki Airport's departure gates. Finnair was concerned about a customer backlash because weight is a personal topic. However, more than 1,000 passengers agreed to be weighed. The company said: "We hope to have a good sample…so that we can get the most accurate information possible for important balance calculations." It said travelers could have "peace of mind" about their personal information.
