Auckland-based Air New Zealand will ask international-bound passengers over the next five weeks in June and July to get on the scales as part of a survey to gauge the weight of the average traveler and their carry-on baggage. While it may seem a little unusual, the carrier analyzes the findings to ensure that the airline can confidently estimate the weights of each flight and the aircraft.Air New Zealand takes the survey every five years and plans to have around 10,000 willing travelers jump on the scales.

Anonymous and hidden

The airline has confirmed that the process is relatively straightforward: two scales are placed in the terminal, one for the passenger and one for their baggage. Once both are weighed, the results are automatically transferred onto a laptop, and the traveler can be on their merry way. The airline even offers a bowl of candy to help lure in willing participants.

Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300ER landing in Hong Kong.
Photo: Terry K / Shutterstock

As noted, the survey is purely voluntary, and those not interested in participating can bypass the scales. Air New Zealand load specialist, Alastair James, reported to 1News:

"For passengers or customers, crew, and their cabin bags, we use an average weight, and that average weight comes from this survey. Because we need to know the weights of everything onboard our aircraft".

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Not just research

New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority regulates that the survey is taken every five years to ensure more accurate, up-to-date data for estimating the load of an aircraft, including the average weight of checked and carry-on baggage, passengers, and even down to onboard meals and drinks brought onto the aircraft (the list does go on).

Air New Zealand also hit the headlines for completing the survey domestically in 2021. With many taking to social media about the 'weigh-in.' Even TV presenter Hilary Barry:

The airline quickly put Hilary's mind at ease, responding, ''It’s a regulatory requirement to calculate the average weight of our passengers, crew, and baggage every five years. All data is anonymous, so there is no need to feel embarrassed! Taking part isn’t compulsory, but we appreciate our customers helping out.''

Air New Zealand 787-9 taxiing
Photo: Mehdi Photos I Shutterstock

The surveys will take place on selected international flights until July 2. However, the last international survey for Air NZ took place in 2015 and was paused over the pandemic to get more accurate results once the industry returned to normal. As reported by 1News, a flight selected this week was NZ75, operating directly from Auckland International Airport (AKL) to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) in South Korea. Passengers were reported to be quite shocked at the thought of jumping on the scales until they were reminded it would be anonymous and optional.

Sources: 1News, New Zealand Herald

  • Air New Zealand Tile
    Air New Zealand
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    NZ/ANZ
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport
    Year Founded:
    1965
    Alliance:
    Star Alliance
    CEO:
    Greg Foran
    Country:
    New Zealand
    Region:
    Oceania