How do airlines know how much passengers weigh?

Airlines can conduct passenger surveys and use CDC population averages to calculate weights. American Airlines told Insider that its average passenger is now eight pounds heavier.
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How do airlines know how much you weigh?

However, as Professor Ed Coleman with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University explains, that's standard procedure. "What they do is, every so often the airlines are required to sample size the people getting on the airplane and figure out how much they weigh and figure out what they're carrying on," he said.
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How do airlines weigh passengers?

Based on a survey of almost 23,000 passengers, CASA recommends a sliding scale of passenger weights based on the seating capacity of the aircraft. For an aircraft seating 7-9, the weights are 86 kgs for an adult male, 71kgs for an adult female.
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How much do airlines assume passengers weigh?

Since 1995, most airlines have assumed a weight of 180 pounds for each adult passenger in summer and 185 pounds in winter; checked bags are assumed to weigh 25 pounds each.
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How do airlines handle overweight passengers?

overweight airline passenger fastens seat belt

In general, airlines such as American try to accommodate passengers who do not fit into a single seat by rearranging seating to provide a second seat. If the plane is full, you might be required to wait until the next available flight and pay full fare for a second seat.
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Can Airlines WEIGH Passengers?!



Can a 400 pound person fit in an airline seat?

FAT ISSUES IN THE AIR

There is no legal weight limit for passengers on U.S. commercial flights but some airlines such as Southwest ask customers who cannot fit into one seat to book two. It says if a passenger cannot lower the armrests on one set they must buy another - whatever they weigh.
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Is there a weight limit for airplane seats?

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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Do planes have weight sensors?

This question already has answers here:

Closed 4 years ago. Do ALL modern aircraft, particulary airliners and private jets, have weight sensors on all landing gear to determine take off and landing weight in real time so as to determine take off speed and approximate landing distance?
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What happens if I can't fit in my plane seat?

If airline staff determines that you will not fit into one seat, they can require you to purchase another one. The seat will be offered at the lowest possible fare at the time of purchase.
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Why would a flight be weight restricted?

More heat waves in the future could mean flights get canceled, delayed or have to lose some weight. That weight could be you. In the aviation business, really hot days are called “weight restriction days,” because when it's hot, fully loaded planes can't get off the ground.
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Do you have to be weighed before flying?

The Federal Aviation Administration recently outlined a new initiative that would have airlines require plus-size passengers to get weighed before boarding a flight.
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Can an airline Ask your weight?

In what is bound to be a sensitive issue for some passengers, airlines may soon be asking fliers to step on a scale, or provide their weight, before boarding a flight.
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What airline is best for overweight passengers?

5 Best Airlines for Overweight Passengers
  1. JetBlue. JetBlue is the best airline for overweight passengers with their 18.4-inch seats and pitch range of up to 41 inches, though on most flights the pitch range will be between 32-35 inches. ...
  2. Delta Air Lines. ...
  3. Air Canada. ...
  4. American Airlines. ...
  5. Spirit Airlines.
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At what size do you need two airline seats?

At What Size Do You Need Two Airline Seats? There isn't a specific size at which you will suddenly have to purchase two airline seats. Generally, all airlines will require passengers to comfortably fit within one seat with the armrests down. If you can do this, you will not have to purchase an additional seat.
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How do I ask for a seat belt extender?

When you board, simply tell the cabin crew greeting you what seat number is, and ask for a seatbelt extender. They will bring it to you very discreetly. If you are in your seat and find that the seatbelt is too short, again just ask a member of the cabin crew for an extender and they will bring it to you.
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How does a weight sensor work?

By definition, a weight sensor is a type of transducer, specifically a weight transducer. It converts an input mechanical force such as load, weight, tension, compression, or pressure into another physical variable, in this case, into an electrical output signal that can be measured, converted and standardized.
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Do airplanes have built in scales?

Yes, such system exists, for example the Honeywell WBS. * It was developed during the sixties and installed as an option on the Boeing 707-300 freight aircraft. Other aircraft that had a similar (optional) system include the L1011 and Boeing 747.
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Can a size 22 woman fit in an airplane seat?

A size 22 won't have difficulty fitting in a airline seat, and doing up the seat belt. Don't worry.
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What happens if you can't buckle your seatbelt on a plane?

If you're flying coach and find that your seat belt doesn't fit -- and the flight isn't full -- you can purchase an additional seat and combine two seat belts. If you're lucky, the seat next to you may be empty and you won't have to pay for it.
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Which airline has the widest seats in Economy Class?

Jet Blue is the leader in the “most pitch” and “widest seat” contest because the majority of their economy and coach class seats are roomy.
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Should obese passengers pay for two seats?

Most airlines recommend that if you think you will be too large for your seat, you should purchase a second seat at the time you make your original booking (or, of course, buy a ticket in first or business class).
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Can you be too big to fly?

The best airline deal for big passengers

Their attitude seems to be no one's too big to fly. But you must follow the rules: Book and pay for a second seat when you purchase the first (you may need to call the airline to be sure of getting two seats side by side) After the flight, apply for a refund for the second seat.
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Can one person buy 2 seats on a plane?

It has always been possible for a traveler to purchase a second adjacent seat on a plane, whether it's a “passenger of size” who requires the additional room, a performer with a large musical instrument, or a passenger who just wants more space even though they could safely fit into one assigned seat.
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Is it hard for fat people to fly?

Overweight Flying Tips

Domestic travel on smaller planes can be difficult for overweight fliers, even when airlines have policies in place to accommodate such passengers. If you can manage it, spending more on an “extra legroom” seat or one in the Premium Economy cabin can be a worthwhile investment.
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What is class 3 obesity?

Class 1: BMI of 30 to < 35. Class 2: BMI of 35 to < 40. Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher. Class 3 obesity is sometimes categorized as “severe” obesity.
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