NEW: Airlines are considering issuing weight-based fees for obese passengers, according to Fox News.
This is the way.
The Fox report comes as airlines are exploring ways of reducing fuel costs and protecting the environment.
Finnair recently expanded their "weight data… pic.twitter.com/l8sWQUpdr5
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 22, 2025
Airlines are exploring the idea of implementing weight-based fees for passengers. This concept has sparked a heated debate, with opinions divided on its fairness and practicality. The idea is not entirely new; in 2013, Samoa Air introduced a “fat tax” where passengers paid based on their weight. However, this approach did not gain widespread acceptance and was eventually discontinued.
Fast forward to February 2024, Finnair expanded its weight data collection initiative. Passengers at Helsinki Airport were asked to voluntarily weigh themselves along with their carry-on luggage. This data collection, which lasted three months, aimed to update the airline’s aircraft balance and loading calculations for the period from 2025 to 2030. The initiative was designed to be anonymous, with only age, gender, and travel class recorded alongside the weight data.
A recent study surveyed 1,012 U.S. adults to gauge their opinions on weight-based fees. The study presented three pricing options: a regular fare with a set luggage limit, a “weight threshold” where passengers over 160 pounds would pay extra, and a “body weight” model where ticket prices depended on each person’s weight. The results showed that lighter passengers were more in favor of weight-based fees, while heavier passengers preferred the current system. However, almost half of the heavier respondents were still open to the idea. Younger travelers, frequent flyers, and wealthier passengers were more likely to support weight-based charges. Despite concerns about fairness and potential discrimination, researchers believe it is important to discuss weight-based pricing.
Sources:
https://www.foxnews.com/tech/airlines-eye-weight-based-fees-heavier-passengers-pay-more
https://www.aol.com/plus-size-passengers-airlines-offer-120759822.html
https://www.boredpanda.com/airlines-weighing-fees-for-obese-passengers-sparks-heated-debate/
https://cyberguy.com/travel/airlines-weight-based-pricing-fees/