Weighing luggage is a common practice in the commercial aviation industry. Whether you’re taking a domestic or international flight, the airline will probably weigh your luggage prior to boarding. If your luggage exceeds the airline’s maximum weight, you may have to pay a fee. Why do airlines weigh passengers’ luggage exactly?
Fuel Efficiency
One of the main reasons airlines weigh luggage is for fuel efficiency. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), nearly one-quarter of a typical airline’s operating costs involve fuel expenses. Airlines can save money on fuel expenses, however, by reducing the total weight of their airplanes.
Setting and enforcing weight limits on passengers’ luggage helps airlines achieve this money-saving goal. Some airlines only have weight limits on checked luggage. Others have weight limits on both checked and carry-on luggage. Regardless, airlines weigh passengers’ luggage for fuel efficiency purposes.
MTOW
Airlines weigh luggage so that they can determine whether they’ve exceeded their Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW). MTOW is the maximum weight an airplane can weigh to maintain airworthiness. It’s typically set by engineers during production. MTOW takes into account the weight of the airplane itself, fuel, cargo and even passengers.
Luggage is considered cargo. Therefore, airlines must consider luggage. Without a weight limit on passengers’ luggage, an airplane may exceed its MTOW, at which point it may no longer be able to safely take off and fly.
Safety
Another reason airlines weigh luggage is for safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation authorities have strict requirements regarding the weight and balance of airplanes. If an airplane weighs too much, it may be deemed unsafe and unfit for flight. Conversely, if the weight of an airplane isn’t properly distributed, the FAA may consider it unfit for flight.
An imbalanced airplane can be particularly dangerous during takeoffs and landings. As the airplane tilts its nose upward or downward — depending on whether it’s taking off or landing — it may fail to maintain its center of gravity. To ensure their airplanes aren’t overweight or poorly balanced, airlines weigh passengers’ luggage.
In Conclusion
Airlines weigh luggage to improve fuel efficiency, perform MTOW calculations, and meet regulatory requirements for safety. It’s crucial for safe and smooth operations, providing benefits to both the airline and its passengers. As fuel costs rise and environmental concerns become more pressing, accurately weighing luggage will remain a key focus for the commercial aviation industry.
