Korean Air set to weigh some passengers before their flights

Boarding pass? Check. Passport? Check. Weight? What?

Passengers flying with Korean Air in the next few weeks may be asked to take one additional step before boarding — getting on the scale.

But the policy has nothing to do with body-shaming. Like many airlines globally, Korean Air is required to obtain plane weight data periodically.

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Travellers departing from Gimpo International Airport (GMP) from August 28 until September 3 and from Incheon International Airport (ICA) between September 8-19 may be affected, the airline said.

Passengers and luggage will be weighed anonymously, and the data will then be shared with the country’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Once data is gathered, it helps airlines make decisions about fuel needs and weight distribution on board.

You can opt out of the program by letting a staff member know, a Korean Air spokesperson said.

While some travellers may be surprised to find themselves asked to step on a scale, this decision isn’t made by airlines — it’s often mandated by governmental airline regulators.

Passengers aboard Air New Zealand flights were weighed earlier this year as part of a similar program.

International routes, including the ultra-long-haul between Auckland and New York, were included.

“We know stepping on the scales can be daunting,” an Air NZ spokesperson said at the time.

“We want to reassure our customers there is no visible display anywhere.

“No one can see your weight, not even us.”