Refer China: New Why Airlines Weigh Passengers ： Safety, Not Shame

Summary: Air China's passenger weighing is a safety measure to update average weight data for accurate aircraft load calculations, following global aviation practices. This procedure, mandated by regulators, is anonymous and voluntary. Outdated weight assumptions have contributed to past accidents, highlighting its importance for flight safety.

This Chinese Airline is Weighing Passengers? Real Reason Behind...

A recent online post caused quite a stir in China after a traveler shared that Air China had asked passengers to step on a scale before boarding. Speculation flew: Was the airline introducing weight-based fares? Were they checking if someone had strapped luggage under their coat?

But the real reason is far more grounded — and rooted in safety.

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According to the text message sent by Air China to passengers:

"In accordance with the requirements of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), we need to periodically collect sample data on passenger weights. This is to help revise standard passenger weight averages and ensure aircraft load remains within safety limits. All measurements are anonymous and confidential."

The original poster also clarified: "Airport staff asked politely, and everyone weighed in voluntarily — plus, they even gave out small gifts." But that didn't stop social media from having fun with it.

Comments poured in:

"I weigh myself naked at home — not even a gram over! In these winter clothes, I easily gain 10 pounds!"

"They should say they're measuring gross weight, not 'body weight' — sounds less brutal."

"Airlines used to assume every adult weighs 75kg — maybe they're updating that standard."

Others added, "Makes sense — people are taller and heavier now. Obesity rates have risen."

And they're not wrong. Updating passenger weight standards is a global aviation practice — and the stakes are real.

This isn't the first time passenger weight data made headlines.

In 2003, a tragic accident involving Air Midwest Flight 5481 in the United States underscored just how critical accurate weight assumptions are. The small commuter aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Charlotte, North Carolina, killing all 21 people onboard.

What went wrong?

The investigation revealed that the plane was overloaded, in part because the airline had used outdated average passenger weight data — assumptions that hadn't been revised in over 20 years. At the time, U.S. airlines were estimating an average passenger weight of around 70kg (154 lbs), far below actual averages.

Combined with improperly accounted-for baggage and mechanical maintenance issues, this resulted in the plane being over its safe weight limit and out of balance — a fatal miscalculation.

This led to industry-wide changes in weight assumptions and stricter guidelines for weight distribution on smaller aircraft.

Airplanes don't just fly — they fly within limits. Load, balance, and fuel calculations are finely tuned to expected passenger and baggage weights. Relying on outdated or inaccurate data, especially as populations change, could compromise those calculations.

So, if you ever find yourself stepping on a scale at the gate — don't worry. It's not about judgment or turning airports into fitness checks. It's just another part of making sure everything (and everyone) gets off the ground smoothly.

And who knows? You might even walk away with a free keychain.

Source: Xiaohongshu