Excess baggage fees are already commonplace for air travellers. An overweight bag or a slightly oversized backpack can represent an additional cost. But what until now only applied to luggage is now beginning to extend to those who carry it.

According to Executive Digest, a website specialising in economics and international news, several airlines are introducing passenger weighing before boarding. The practice, which has a technical justification, is to ensure the balance and safety of the aircraft.

Cape Air, a regional airline in the United States that operates small Cessna 402 aircraft with a capacity for nine passengers, is one of those already applying this measure. In these aircraft, every kilogram makes a difference.

The total weight, which includes passengers, checked baggage, and carry-on baggage, determines the centre of gravity and stability of the aircraft.

According to the same source, before boarding, passengers must declare their weight or step on the scale. The goal is not to embarrass, but to allow the crew to correctly distribute the load.

If the weight is concentrated in the rear, for example, the plane may have difficulty taking off or maintaining stability during flight.

Former Cape Air pilots recall that "honesty can save lives." The calculation is rigorous and includes even babies and small bags. An error of just a few kilograms can alter the balance of the plane and compromise safety on board.

Major airlines

Passengers on international flights do not need to worry for now. Companies such as Finnair, Air New Zealand, Korean Air, and Bangkok Airways also weigh passengers, but only anonymously and for statistical purposes.

According to Executive Digest, the data collected is used to adjust fuel and weight distribution calculations, without any direct impact on the customer. The goal is to increase efficiency and operational safety, not to charge more.

For now, low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Eurowings do not yet apply this method. Even so, there is a growing fear among some travellers that the "passenger weight" could one day become a new fee.