South Korean Airlines to Measure Passenger Weight Before Flights – Here’s Why

Asiana Airlines made an important announcement for domestic flight passengers in South Korea.

Yonhap News reports that starting today, Asiana Airlines will measure passengers’ body weight on domestic flights for ten days, from the 12th to the 21st.

The measure is by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport’s notice of standard passenger weight measurement. Officials revealed that the measurement will occur at the domestic terminal’s departure gate at Gimpo Airport.

The process is simple. Passengers boarding Asiana Airlines’ domestic flights at Gimpo Airport will have their weight measured on a scale, along with the luggage they carry on board.

Passengers have the option to refuse to weigh. Asiana Airlines requests cooperation for safe flight measurements, stating, “If you wish not to be measured, please inform our staff.”

Moreover, Asiana Airlines will keep the measurement data anonymous. The airline explains that it collects the data to calculate the average weight of passengers and assures that it will not use the information for any other purpose.

Under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport’s Aircraft Weight and Balance Management Standards, airlines conduct standard passenger weight measurements at least every five years. This data helps distribute aircraft weight, maintain posture, and enhance flight safety.

From the airline’s perspective, it can improve operational efficiency by not carrying unnecessary fuel.

View of Incheon International Airport from the observation deck / Yonhap News

Previously, Korean Air conducted the standard passenger weight measurement in August this year, T’way Air in January, and Jeju Air in December last year. Some airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines and Finnair, also reflect passenger body weight on flights.

By. Hee Eun Kim