In recent times, travelers in Thailand have found themselves faced with an unusual request. Several Thai airlines, including AirAsia Thailand, have introduced a new practice that involves passengers stepping onto the scales, not just with their luggage, but with their own weight as well.
Understanding the Weigh-In Exercise
Why Are Passengers Being Asked to Weigh In?
To begin with, AirAsia Thailand initiated this rather unconventional practice from October 16 to 20. During this period, passengers boarding selected flights from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport were asked to participate in a weigh-in exercise.
Now, you might wonder why an airline is interested in your weight. AirAsia Thailand clarified that this practice aims to collect data that will contribute to enhancing service efficiency.
For a Good Cause
If you happen to see a weighing station at your boarding gate, there’s no need to be alarmed. AirAsia Thailand encourages passengers to voluntarily cooperate with their staff during the weigh-in process. It’s all part of their mission to streamline their services.
Safety and Confidentiality
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has given its approval for this initiative. Rest assured, your weight information will remain confidential and will be used solely for the purpose of improving service quality.
The Role of Passenger Weight Data
The data collected from this exercise is used in determining the standard and average passenger weight. This, in turn, allows airlines to distribute weight more effectively on international flights.
By optimizing weight distribution, airlines can reduce fuel consumption, thereby making air travel more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Airlines Embracing the Trend
AirAsia Thailand is not the only airline in Thailand to introduce passenger weigh-ins. Thai Lion Air joined the trend, weighing passengers from October 17 to 20. They aim to build a database of average passenger weights, contributing to greater accuracy in flight planning.
Even Bangkok Airways is considering implementing this practice, signaling a growing trend in the Thai aviation industry.