New FAA guidelines for estimating passenger weight could result in some passengers getting bumps from flights if airlines don't adequately plan for changes. Scales are one, with airlines weighing a broad sample of passengers either at high-trafficked locations in airports, or individually before boarding an aircraft. Airlines, however, are more likely to opt for a simpler and less intrusive route, and can rely on CDC health survey results to determine their average passenger weight. That's eight pounds heavier than the airline's estimate under the previous guidelines. Carry-on and checked bags are heavier too, with American determining that each are five and four pounds heavier respectively, according to the outlet.

Source: The Nation June 10, 2021 04:07 UTC