Air New Zealands Weight Problem

Air New Zealand have announced they are getting tough on overweight baggage;

New baggage system to cut costs Air NZ - Stuff.co.nz

"This new X-bag system is designed to ensure that we more closely control baggage weight, and fuel use. Every extra kilo carried on an aircraft means extra fuel burned," Air NZ executive Norm Thompson said today.

"It's important to remember that there is no change to our current policy. This is categorically not a revenue-gathering exercise," he said”

Air NZ allow 20kg luggage then charge $5kg over that which is fine except…

I weigh 68kg which means if the gross weight of me + my luggage exceeds 88kg I start paying. According to the CAA the average passenger weight is 85kg so Mr Average sitting beside me doesn’t start paying until his gross weight is over 105kg. That’s hardly fair but the answer is simple:

• Weigh the passenger and their luggage
• Charge the anything above the average 105kg (85 + 20) at $5/kg
• Discount anything under the average 105kg at $5/kg.

Since the aim is to control weight, not increase revenue, in future I’ll be asking for my $85 ($5x17kg) discount when I fly Air New Zealand or taking 17kg extra luggage. Fare enough Mr Thompson?

www.caa.govt.nz Air Passenger Weight Survey
“In recent years passenger weight surveys have shown that the current prescribed standard weight of 77 kg is well out of date. This was confirmed in a CAA survey carried out in December 1999. The outcome of that survey showed that the average weight of passengers travelling on the larger Part 121 aeroplanes was 85 kg. As the weight of the general population increases, the number of passengers that can be carried safely may reduce. Changes to the Rules were proposed as a result of this trend, and consultation with the aviation industry began.”

www.caa.govt.nz Air Passenger Weight Survey


“In recent years passenger weight surveys have shown that the current prescribed standard weight of 77 kg is well out of date. This was confirmed in a CAA survey carried out in December 1999. The outcome of that survey showed that the average weight of passengers travelling on the larger Part 121 aeroplanes was 85 kg. As the weight of the general population increases, the number of passengers that can be carried safely may reduce. Changes to the Rules were proposed as a result of this trend, and consultation with the aviation industry began.”

UPDATE 07–11–2006: Asked airnz.custhelp.com

Question Reference #061107-000***
---------------------------------------------------------------
Product Level 1: Baggage
Date Created: 07/11/2006 10:18 PM
Last Updated: 07/11/2006 10:18 PM
Status: Unresolved

Question Reference #061107-000***


---------------------------------------------------------------
Product Level 1: Baggage
Date Created: 07/11/2006 10:18 PM
Last Updated: 07/11/2006 10:18 PM
Status: Unresolved

UPDATE 15–11–2006: Reply from airnz.custhelp.com

We are happy to carry your baggage, and offer a free allowance of 20kg per person. A charge of NZ$5.00 Domestic and NZ$10.00 Trans-Tasman per additional kg is charged for any weight above 20kgs. The free baggage allowance has not changed with the introduction of the Domestic and Trans-Tasman product. However, to be consistent and fair to all our customers, this policy is being strictly enforced.

Due to the highly personal nature of the individual body weight of a passenger, it is not possible to take this into account when charging passengers for excess baggage. To do so would be considered discrimination. Additionally, although flights are not always full, excess baggage charges are still applicable as fuel is measured the actual weight carried.

I trust this explains the matter to you and appreciate you taking the time to write and express your views

Yours sincerely
Customer Support Specialist

This is fair enough I guess & I have no problem with them charging for weight but it’s odd that it is OK to penalise, discriminate against, “less than average” people?Tags:  Air+New+Zealand